Assumption of the Virgin c. 17th century

Curator: Here we see Jacques Callot's "Assumption of the Virgin," a small etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredibly detailed for something so tiny! All those figures packed in...it feels both reverent and kind of cramped, you know? Curator: Callot was a master of etching, known for his ability to capture complex scenes with incredible precision. This piece reflects the religious fervor of the time. Editor: I love how Mary is just floating upward, bathed in light. It’s like she’s escaping all the earthly chaos below. Curator: The arrangement of earthly and heavenly realms speaks to the hierarchical world view and the central role of faith in the social life of early modern Europe. Editor: There's a lot going on, symbolically and artistically. It really makes you think about belief, and what it means to ascend. Curator: Indeed, its ability to stimulate contemplation long after its creation speaks to its enduring legacy. Editor: It's amazing how such a small image can hold such big ideas.