Lucifer c. 18th century

Editor: This is Giovanni Volpato’s "Lucifer" from the 18th century, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure seems so graceful, almost heroic. What do you make of this portrayal? Curator: This Lucifer isn't the monstrous figure we often expect. The torch he holds is a key symbol; in Roman mythology, Lucifer is the bringer of light, the morning star. Editor: So, a positive figure? Curator: Before his fall, yes. Volpato captures a moment of potential, of illumination before darkness. It reminds us that even figures associated with evil once held beauty and promise. Editor: It’s a powerful reimagining. I see how Volpato uses symbols to explore a complex character.