La vierge au poisson (Madonna of the Fish) c. 19th century

Editor: This is Auguste Gaspard Louis Boucher Desnoyers' "La vierge au poisson," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fascinating print; the figures are so meticulously rendered. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This print offers an opportunity to consider the pervasive visual language of religious iconography and its role in shaping cultural narratives. Consider the Madonna: How does her presentation reinforce or challenge societal expectations of women, motherhood, and power? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't really considered that. Curator: And the fish? It’s not just a fish. What might it symbolize in relation to Christian identity and power dynamics? Editor: I guess it could be linked to Jesus. I never thought about it that way, it's a lot to think about. Curator: Exactly. Art is always in dialogue with its context. Hopefully it gives a chance to re-evaluate its meaning.