Christ Taken by the Jews c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Christ Taken by the Jews" by Pietro Ghigi. It depicts Christ's arrest, a heavy scene. What narratives do you find embedded within this composition? Curator: It's crucial to consider how the portrayal of "Jews" in this piece reflects the historical context of antisemitism. How does the artist's depiction contribute to or challenge prevailing stereotypes and power dynamics? Is this reinforcing harmful narratives? Editor: So, the focus isn't just on the biblical scene, but how it perpetuates certain prejudices. Curator: Precisely. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Examining it through a lens of social justice helps us understand its potential impact on identity and race. Editor: It's eye-opening to consider the social impact, not just the artistic skill. Curator: Indeed. We must ask whose story is being told and at whose expense.