Madonna di casa Tempi c. 19th century

Curator: Looking at "Madonna di casa Tempi" by Samuele Jesi, what immediately strikes you? Editor: A sense of quiet intimacy, almost a secret shared between mother and child. It’s a delicate scene, imbued with tenderness. Curator: Absolutely. This piece captures a very human moment. The social role of motherhood, its public glorification, is tempered here by private affection. Editor: It makes me think about the weight of expectations placed on mothers, both then and now. It's a lovely image, but there’s also a hint of melancholy in the Madonna’s gaze. Curator: Perhaps. The engraver, Jesi, working from Raphael’s composition, highlights the duality of the Madonna: divine symbol and earthly mother. Editor: Yes, and seeing the way the lines capture the soft curve of the child's cheek, the folds of her robe… it feels less about religious doctrine and more about human connection. Curator: It is a powerful reminder that even the most iconic figures can be seen through the lens of everyday life, love, and vulnerability. Editor: It’s made me rethink the many layers of meaning in such seemingly simple images.