The Crucifixion c. 17th century

Curator: This etching is titled "The Crucifixion," by Charles Macé. It is currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as quite dramatic—a turbulent sky, figures in anguish. The composition is almost operatic. Curator: Note how Macé uses light and shadow to create depth and direct the viewer's eye, particularly emphasizing Christ's body and the reactions of the crowd below. Editor: The angel, along with the figures around the cross, definitely points to themes of sorrow, sacrifice, and redemption which have been associated with this imagery throughout history. Curator: Agreed. The formal elements enhance those readings; each line, shadow, and gesture contributes to its structured narrative. Editor: The cross, an instrument of death, becomes a symbol of hope—a powerful inversion. Curator: Indeed, the engraving's strength lies in its intricate balance. Editor: A powerful rendering of a central story that continues to resonate.