The Pilgrims of Emmaeus c. 1754

Curator: This is "The Pilgrims of Emmaeus," an engraving by Benoît Audran the Younger. It's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels like a scene from a play, doesn't it? All that drama in the hands and faces, caught in monochrome. A quiet intensity. Curator: Exactly! It's Audran's interpretation of a pivotal New Testament moment. Pilgrims encountering the resurrected Christ on the road. Editor: I love how the landscape feels secondary. The real focus is on the interaction. Who are these people, really? Are they in shock or recognition? Curator: That tension is palpable. Engravings, for me, are always about the power of distribution, imagery democratized in ways painting couldn't be. Editor: True. It's fascinating to think how an image like this would have circulated, shaping perceptions, stirring faith, perhaps even controversy. A shared story, re-imagined. Curator: And that's the wonder of it all, isn't it?