Sacrifice of Cain and Abel c. 17th century

Editor: This is Gérard de Lairesse's "Sacrifice of Cain and Abel." It is a small etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels almost theatrical in its presentation. What do you make of this staging? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the public role of such biblical narratives. The print medium allowed for wider dissemination of these stories, shaping moral and social understanding. Notice the contrast in their offerings, and consider what it says about the socio-economic values being promoted through this imagery. Editor: So, it is less about the literal interpretation of the Bible and more about the values imposed on the society at the time? Curator: Exactly. Think about how these images, circulating widely, reinforced societal norms and power structures. Editor: I never considered art in that way, it's interesting how art can influence people's thoughts.