Bezichtiging van het lichaam van Filippo Neri 1630 - 1641

Curator: Welcome. Here we see “Bezichtiging van het lichaam van Filippo Neri,” which translates to “Viewing the Body of Filippo Neri,” an engraving produced sometime between 1630 and 1641 by Luca Ciamberlano. Editor: It’s arresting, the way the artist chose to portray the scene. A very theatrical composition, heavy with grief and reverence. There’s an intensity conveyed despite the etching’s limited tonal range. Curator: The print depicts the viewing of Saint Philip Neri’s body before his burial. Neri, an Italian priest, was known for his charity and for founding the Congregation of the Oratory. It’s interesting how Ciamberlano uses the baroque style here, known for its drama and emotional intensity, to shape the narrative around this religious figure. Editor: Yes, look how everyone’s clustered, kneeling and reaching. And Neri’s body, displayed almost starkly in white. I wonder, though, about this carefully orchestrated grief. Was this how people truly mourned, or is this more about the Church showcasing piety? The engraving subtly reinforces societal norms. Curator: That’s a good point. Prints like this were indeed powerful tools for disseminating religious ideas. Ciamberlano's work certainly reflects the religious climate of the time, serving to promote the veneration of saints and inspire religious devotion among the public. But, it's not a one-dimensional portrayal. There’s a tangible sense of community in mourning. Editor: Perhaps. Still, who gets remembered and how they’re remembered – it’s always political. And religious imagery throughout history frequently reflects and solidifies hierarchies of power. But I recognize that it gives us access to the ways collective values were understood and codified. Curator: Absolutely, these historical artifacts provide incredible insights. It invites us to reflect on the values, power dynamics, and belief systems that shaped past societies and, by extension, ourselves. Editor: Agreed. Viewing Neri’s body through Ciamberlano's lens reminds us of both the comfort and the control inherent in organized displays of devotion. It highlights the ways grief, faith, and social structures intersect.