The Entombment c. 18th century

Curator: This engraving is a depiction of "The Entombment" by Francesco Borsi, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums, measuring about 42 by 57 centimeters. What are your first thoughts? Editor: There's such a stark, heavy feeling. The weight of the body, the grief etched on the faces of those carrying him... it's palpable. Curator: Considering Borsi's process, we see the lines are incredibly precise, suggesting a skilled hand deeply familiar with the intaglio technique. This allows for such fine detail, reflecting the material reality of this scene. Editor: Right. The subject matter, a common one in art history, becomes a powerful statement about the intersection of faith, power, and social justice in the context of religious art, no? Curator: Absolutely. Borsi's "Entombment" uses material to convey the social context of religious grief. Editor: It's more than grief. It's a visual representation of communal loss, and resistance, perhaps. The quiet strength of those figures is so compelling. Curator: The piece, through its tangible form, allows for an engagement with historical narratives. Editor: It makes you think about the narratives of oppression, and the resilience of marginalized communities throughout history. A poignant piece.