Angel with the Crown of Thorns c. 1667 - 1668

Curator: Here we have Bernini's "Angel with the Crown of Thorns," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The angel's posture conveys a profound sense of melancholy, doesn't it? The rough texture of the terracotta adds to the overall feeling of somber reflection. Curator: Absolutely. Consider the context of its creation. Bernini made this model in preparation for his work on the Ponte Sant'Angelo, a project commissioned by Pope Clement IX, which sought to visually and physically connect the Vatican to Rome. The angel holding the crown becomes a symbol of not just Christ's suffering, but the institution and burden of the Church. Editor: The composition is striking, with the angel's body forming dynamic diagonals. Even without its head, the figure emanates expressive power, drawing the eye to the intricate details of the hands. Curator: And how the lack of a head, especially in this context, speaks volumes about the disembodiment that so many oppressed people feel. Its incompleteness is a statement in itself. Editor: It's a work of incredible formal strength. Curator: It offers such a potent lens through which to consider faith, power, and suffering. Editor: I'm left contemplating the sheer artistry in capturing such raw emotion through the medium of terracotta.