Diana and Callisto c. 16th century

Curator: Luca Cambiaso's "Diana and Callisto," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating study in line and form. Editor: It has such a raw, energetic feel; you can almost sense the artist's hand moving across the page. Curator: Indeed. The composition, though rendered in simple brown ink, shows a sophisticated understanding of Renaissance figuration. Observe how the diagonal lines lead the eye directly from Callisto up to Diana's commanding figure. Editor: And look at the economical use of line to create a sense of depth. I'm also struck by how Cambiaso's process emphasizes the body as a site of labor. Curator: I agree, one can see the artist's influence and his use of classical motifs, the figures embody an idealized form, yet the sketchy quality adds a unique dynamism. The psychological tension between the two figures is palpable. Editor: Yes, the very act of drawing, the choices of ink, point to a material engagement with the subject, a tension that heightens the drama. Curator: A powerful drawing, successfully balancing form and content. Editor: A powerful example of art making, labor, and storytelling.