Descent from the Cross 17th-18th century

Curator: Robert van Auden-Aerd’s "Descent from the Cross" captures a moment of profound grief. The artist’s name might be unfamiliar, but the scene is instantly recognizable. Editor: It’s a dense composition, isn't it? All those figures, tangled together like a heap of discarded fabric, create a sense of chaotic energy. What about the material used? Curator: It is hard to tell about this print that resides at the Harvard Art Museums. The image is visually heavy and laden with religious symbolism; the ladder, for example, echoes the cross, a visual reminder of Christ's sacrifice. Editor: But think about the labor involved in creating this print. The artist would have had to meticulously carve these lines into a metal plate, wiping away the ink. It’s an intense, physical process. Curator: The gestures and expressions speak volumes about humanity's capacity for both suffering and compassion. The way the figures cradle and support Christ’s body…it’s an archetypal image of mourning. Editor: Absolutely, and by focusing on these earthly actions—the lifting, carrying, supporting—the artist connects the divine to the everyday experience of work and mourning. Curator: It's an artwork that invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves, stories we have passed down across generations. Editor: Indeed. Looking closer reveals how the act of creation can be a response to cultural and historical events and conditions.