Saint Roch (by Amico Aspertini); verso: Saint Sebastian (by Lorenzo Costa) 15th-16th century

Curator: This is a drawing attributed to Amico Aspertini, depicting Saint Roch, part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial impression is its raw, almost ephemeral quality due to the delicate lines, hinting at a world of texture and volume. Curator: Indeed, the suggestive lines and the subtle tonal variations construct the figure with a careful balance of positive and negative space. Note how the composition guides the eye from the saint's face down to his feet. Editor: I'm intrigued by the material process—the choice of paper, the stylus, and the hand that guided it. It speaks to a historical moment of artistic production. Consider the socio-economic forces that allowed Aspertini to craft such a work. Curator: Valid points, but focus, if you will, on the linear rhythms, a visual dance that animates the subject, a pilgrimage perhaps? The artist presents us with a powerful visual symbol of faith and resilience. Editor: It’s more than faith; it's the labor etched into this work, a humble medium elevated through skill and context. Curator: I see your emphasis on the materials and their origins, and I appreciate that perspective. Editor: Likewise, your structural interpretation offers a rich layer to its understanding.