Saint Bibiana Refusing to Sacrifice to Jupiter n.d.

Editor: We're looking at Antonio Grano's "Saint Bibiana Refusing to Sacrifice to Jupiter," an ink, chalk, pen, etching and wash drawing, materials combined to create an image reminiscent of ancient bas-reliefs. It feels like a stage frozen in time, capturing a moment of high drama. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: Ah, Saint Bibiana! This isn't just a drawing, darling, it's a glimpse into a spiritual tug-of-war. See how Grano uses the chalk and ink, layering them like emotional weight? The whole composition breathes this resistance – Bibiana’s resolute stance against the opulence of the pagan temple. I find it almost theatrical, wouldn’t you say? Editor: Absolutely, theatrical is a good word. But what strikes me is how calm she is, amidst what must have been such chaos. The detail on those robes, compared with the somewhat crude figures surrounding her… Was that common for Baroque sketches? Curator: Common perhaps, but clever, darling, oh so clever! Grano knew his audience. He’s using those dynamic sketches, see the urgency of line, the pen and the way that is almost "fighting" the page? The etching to render space gives it the feel of reality! It really enhances the emotion, it tells a story on its own, a counterpoint to Bibiana’s still, centred energy. It's as if all around is crumbling away, and yet she stands true. Does it perhaps remind us all to pause for an intimate look, no? Editor: So the contrasting styles aren’t accidental then; they really underline the theme? I’d thought maybe he just hadn’t finished the drawing. Curator: My sweet thing, there are no accidents in art! Everything sings! It speaks to Grano's skill. We have on one end some finished details in this print like painting, and we find raw drawing styles on another. He forces us to consider her choice, not to take our eyes off of her, as a good film might today. And as with good narrative painting of that time, a singular moment, pregnant with the infinite! Editor: I never thought about it like that. Curator: Now you shall, my darling, now you shall! Editor: That contrast really makes the piece resonate differently. It shows there is a dialogue between artistic vision and narrative depth. Curator: Exactly, this gives depth, yes and so very well observed, for that the past gives our presents its many flavours.