Detail of Michelangelo's Sistine Ceiling Featuring God the Creator And a Prophet 1770

Curator: This is Jean-Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non’s “Detail of Michelangelo's Sistine Ceiling Featuring God the Creator And a Prophet,” held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a study, very immediate and raw. The hatching gives so much energy to the figures. Curator: Indeed. Saint-Non was an engraver, and he likely made this after a trip to Rome. The etching process itself—the acid biting into the plate—mimics the intense, monumental physicality of Michelangelo's original fresco. Editor: The choice to pair God the Creator with a prophet is compelling. It speaks to the complex relationship between divinity and human interpretation, especially during a period of religious and social upheaval. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality of the print—the paper, the ink—facilitated the distribution of Michelangelo’s vision. This artwork allowed for greater access to high art. Editor: It’s a testament to how art can transcend its original context, becoming part of ongoing dialogues about faith, power, and representation. Curator: Precisely. We see here an intimate glimpse into the process of disseminating and interpreting artistic masterworks. Editor: This piece shows how historical figures are rendered, challenged, and remain relevant through new lenses.