Conversion of Zacchaeus, with Christ at right addressing the tax collector, who is seated in a tree at top center 1730s

Editor: This is Pietro Monaco’s "Conversion of Zacchaeus," an engraving from the 1730s, based on a painting by Bernardo Strozzi. It depicts a biblical scene, and what strikes me is how Zacchaeus is visually set apart, perched high in a tree while Jesus addresses him from below. What symbols or deeper meanings do you see in this kind of staging? Curator: The separation is crucial. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, literally elevates himself, perhaps seeking a vantage point but also symbolizing his societal detachment. Note how Christ’s gaze meets his, creating a powerful visual dialogue. The tree itself carries weight - in many traditions, trees connect the earthly and spiritual realms. Could Zacchaeus’s perch be a desire to transcend his earthly burdens? Editor: That’s a great point! So the tree isn’t just a prop; it’s part of the story. Curator: Absolutely! Consider too the act of "conversion" - a turning point. Monaco captures it not just as a moment, but as a symbolic shift. The figures surrounding Christ, their faces a mix of curiosity and judgment, represent the community witnessing this transformation. It speaks to the collective memory of social and spiritual change. Editor: The expressions on their faces do add another layer. Some seem skeptical, almost accusatory. So the image really captures the social tension of that moment. Curator: Precisely. And doesn't that tension continue to resonate across centuries? This print becomes a vessel, carrying not just the biblical narrative but also our own evolving interpretations of faith, justice, and redemption. Editor: This conversation has really changed how I see the print. It’s not just a historical scene; it’s a continuing dialogue about social transformation.