Bas-reliëf op het altaar voor de heilige Jakobus de Meerdere in de Kathedraal van Pistoia, voorstellende de schepping van Adam en Eva before 1864

Editor: This is a drawing by Franz Kellerhoven, depicting a bas-relief on the altar for St. James in the Cathedral of Pistoia, showing the creation of Adam and Eve, made sometime before 1864. The composition is fascinating. The figures almost seem to float within the frame. What stands out to you most in terms of its historical context? Curator: Well, what strikes me immediately is the conscious revival of medieval artistic styles, a trend common in the 19th century. Consider the social climate; with rapid industrialization, many looked back to earlier eras, imagining a simpler, more devout past. The choice of the Adam and Eve narrative, central to Christian theology, emphasizes this yearning for a perceived golden age of faith and morality. Do you notice how the artist uses specific visual cues to evoke that era? Editor: I see the figures have a certain flatness, and their poses are somewhat stylized, almost like figures you'd find on a medieval tapestry or illuminated manuscript. Is it common to represent a sculpture with drawing or printmaking mediums? Curator: Exactly. And the limited color palette reinforces that sense. Representing sculpture through drawings and prints was indeed common. It democratized access to artworks housed in specific locations, making them available to a wider public through reproduction. This highlights the evolving role of art—increasingly seen not just as devotional object, but also as a vehicle for cultural and national identity. Consider how the documentation and circulation of such imagery played a role in shaping artistic and social values of the period. Does this artwork seem academic to you? Editor: I see what you mean. So, it's not just about depicting a religious scene but also about invoking a certain idea of the past, and making that past accessible in a new way. It really makes you consider the motives behind creating and sharing images. Thank you, that's given me a lot to think about. Curator: And for me too; reflecting on how art becomes a mirror to societal desires.