Christ Carried to the Tomb c. 19th century

Curator: This is Pierre Audouin's "Christ Carried to the Tomb," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. There isn't a known date for the work. Editor: The first impression is one of raw grief. The stark contrast really emphasizes the pallor of Christ's body against the dark background. Curator: Indeed, Audouin uses that contrast to draw our eyes to the central figures, highlighting not just physical death, but the emotional weight carried by Christ's followers. Their gestures of despair are universal symbols of loss. Editor: And let's consider the labor involved in producing this print. The lines are so precise, requiring immense skill and time. It becomes a testament to devotion, echoing the subject it depicts. Curator: It's interesting how the image repurposes a well-known scene, imbuing it with a distinct emotional resonance through the figures' positioning and expressions. There is a clear continuity of grief and hope across centuries. Editor: Seeing the process behind it enriches my understanding, revealing the human effort and skill embedded in the materiality of the print itself. Curator: Considering this piece, I am reminded how potent images can be as vessels for shared human experiences. Editor: Yes, and that the act of making becomes a form of bearing witness.