Guardian Angel, after Dolci? 1821

Editor: This is Giovanni Beltrami's 'Guardian Angel, after Dolci?', an engraving from the early 19th century. Its delicate execution feels both comforting and fragile. What social narratives do you see embedded in this small devotional object? Curator: Well, let’s consider the source material, a painting by Dolci, which itself reinforces idealized notions of piety and protection, often aimed at women and children. How does Beltrami's engraving perpetuate or challenge these gendered expectations? Editor: I guess it's hard to tell, given the scale and lack of color? Maybe it's a more accessible version, democratizing religious imagery? Curator: Exactly. By transforming a painting into a readily reproducible engraving, Beltrami potentially broadens its reach. Who benefits from this wider circulation and what power dynamics are at play? Editor: That reframing really shifts my understanding of its purpose and impact. Thanks! Curator: Of course! It's essential to think about who has access to art and how it shapes their beliefs.