Christ and the Apostles: "Feed My Sheep" c. 16th century

Curator: Welcome. Before us is Pietro Santi Bartoli’s engraving, "Christ and the Apostles: Feed My Sheep." Editor: My first impression is of stark contrast. The foreground figures are so meticulously detailed, yet the background feels almost like an afterthought. Curator: It’s fascinating to consider the economics of printmaking at the time. Bartoli, active in the 17th century, was known for reproducing works by masters like Raphael. Consider the labor involved in precisely etching these lines into a copper plate. Editor: Look at Peter kneeling before Christ, receiving the symbolic keys. The artist uses the sheep as a symbol for the Christian flock, entrusting their care to Peter, the first Pope. It's a powerful visual metaphor for the authority passed down. Curator: The distribution of prints like these allowed for wider access to religious imagery and ideas. This work then becomes a material object, traded and displayed. Editor: Ultimately, the enduring power of the image lies in its ability to convey complex religious ideas through simple, recognizable symbols. Curator: Yes, the convergence of materials, labor, and cultural context gives us a richer understanding. Editor: Indeed, it makes one consider the many layers of meaning embedded within the artwork.