The Crucified Christ Adored By Saints Dominic And Catherine Of Siena 

Editor: Here we have a powerful oil painting by Anthony van Dyck entitled *The Crucified Christ Adored by Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena*. It's dominated by this very Baroque sense of drama, figures caught in a swirl of devotion, a whirlwind of emotion, really. What's your reading of this painting? Curator: It is, isn't it, theatrical! Van Dyck understands drama like a poet understands the human heart. I see a raw, aching depiction of faith amidst profound suffering. Look how Christ is illuminated, while shadows cling to the saints below. Editor: So, is it this contrast you think Van Dyck is exploring: light versus shadow as hope versus despair? Curator: Partly that, absolutely! But consider the intimate connection Van Dyck creates between the earthly and divine. Angels float ethereally while the Saints cling to the foot of the cross, a visceral depiction of mortal struggle in proximity to Christ. See how Dominic gazes upward, imploring, almost yelling! Van Dyck brings a human reality to this otherwise divine depiction. The skull at the base–memento mori, as the Romans had it–quietly whispers in our ear "You’re next..." I wonder if the piece also serves as a commentary on Van Dyck's own mortality, too. He certainly loved layering meaning. What do *you* see when you let your gaze swim across the surface? Editor: I like what you say about it possibly being about Van Dyck’s own mortality. The skull and angels sort of point towards a kind of beyond… something else is coming, be ready for the sequel… Curator: Exactly. Van Dyck plays with a unique personal and collective idea about faith that can teach us so much about ourselves and others if we remain open. It makes my soul swim and float. Editor: Mine, too. It is as if art and history were telling the same story but in two separate languages. Curator: And that's what makes looking at art so very yummy!