Holy Family in Naples c. 16th century

Curator: This is Giovanni Battista de Cavalieri's "Holy Family in Naples", currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The engraving has a somber, almost melancholic feel. The stark lines emphasize the figures' weighty presence. Curator: Consider the historical context; engravings like this served as accessible devotional aids. The composition, with John the Baptist, Mary, Jesus, and Joseph, reinforces traditional family roles. Editor: Looking at the lines, you see the artist meticulously working to create depth. The process is so labor-intensive, and it really demonstrates the value placed on religious imagery. Curator: Absolutely, and it's worth questioning how such a potentially radical message of love and equality became so firmly entrenched in a patriarchal structure. How can we understand these relationships now? Editor: The starkness reminds me that this isn't just an image but a made object. We can admire the maker's skill, while recognizing the complex values it promotes. Curator: It’s a reminder of how deeply intertwined faith, power, and artistic production have been throughout history. Editor: Yes, and reflecting on its material existence gives us one way to consider these entanglements.