Saint Charles Borromeo Supervising the Opening of a Crypt c. 1604

Curator: Today we’re looking at Cesare Nebbia’s drawing, "Saint Charles Borromeo Supervising the Opening of a Crypt," created around 1604. It’s a pen, ink, graphite, gouache, and charcoal drawing on paper and currently resides here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: It’s… surprisingly intimate for a scene of such potential morbidity. The sepia tones create a subdued, almost reverential atmosphere, despite the activity depicted. The composition leads your eye directly into the opening of that crypt. Curator: The choice of Borromeo, a significant figure of the Counter-Reformation, overseeing this event emphasizes his commitment to the physical and spiritual welfare of his flock. The crypt represents not only death but also the potential for revelation and sanctity, literally a bringing to light of hidden truths. Editor: It’s interesting how Nebbia uses light and shadow. Notice the contrast, particularly around the figure laboring to open the crypt; this accentuates his effort. And the arrangement of figures, how they’re almost flattened, yet still create depth through overlapping. It guides our vision and sets up this clear focal point. Curator: I read that act of opening itself as a powerful symbol. It signifies the Church's active role in confronting mortality, while potentially revealing relics, signs, or confirmations of faith within. It connects directly to themes of Baroque art focused on engaging the viewer emotionally and spiritually. Borromeo was deeply concerned with reform within the church and in attending to plague victims—making it so very likely a scene laden with both dread and devotion. Editor: True. The restrained color palette keeps the focus tightly on form and the dramatic action. Nebbia skillfully uses line and wash to generate a palpable sense of solemnity, almost stage-like with all the observers crammed tightly together. A formal study of depth and tension. Curator: Seeing the details through his hand, from the individual lifting the door to Borromeo himself, grants us access to the mindset of the time and its sacred beliefs. The power of symbolic leadership meeting very earthy, corporeal practices, all together. Editor: It really highlights the effectiveness of simple composition and toned palette in delivering potent emotion. What a beautifully understated and skillful study!