Saint Thaddeus c. 18th century

Editor: This is Francesco Rosaspina's Saint Thaddeus. It's an etching, and the lines give it a very raw, almost frantic energy. How do you read the emotional impact of this work within its historical context? Curator: Well, let’s consider Rosaspina operating in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The figure of Saint Thaddeus, holding his attribute, a halberd, becomes not just a religious icon but a figure of resistance against oppression. How does the Saint's stance make you feel? Editor: I see that, he definitely appears to be ready to fight. I never thought about religious figures as a sign of defiance, I find this concept fascinating. Curator: The etching underscores the Saint's struggle, resonating with the revolutionary spirit of the era. It reflects the desire to challenge existing power structures. Editor: That's a totally different way to look at religious art. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, art acts as a mirror, reflecting societal shifts and aspirations.