Young Man Sitting on a Wall and Speaking with Two Men 1656 - 1658

Curator: Salvator Rosa's etching, Young Man Sitting on a Wall and Speaking with Two Men, has a really intense feel for such a small piece. What jumps out at you? Editor: Definitely the tension in the central figure's arm, and the almost aggressive way the lines are etched. There's a palpable sense of unease. Curator: Rosa, born in 1615, was known for his dramatic and often violent scenes. He was quite the rebel. Do you think it translates into the scene? Editor: Absolutely. The men almost seem to be cornering him. I read that as a metaphor for the social constraints placed upon young men, especially concerning class and expectations. Curator: Or, perhaps, it’s just a heated debate amongst friends after one too many glasses of wine? I do love leaving things open to interpretation. Editor: That's the beauty of Rosa, isn't it? He gives us these charged moments without telling us exactly what to think. Curator: I feel as though I've had a glimpse into a world both distant and strangely familiar. Editor: It definitely feels relevant and thought-provoking for contemporary viewers.