Two Soldiers Facing a Third Who Holds a Shield c. 17th century

Curator: Salvator Rosa, born in 1615, presents us with "Two Soldiers Facing a Third Who Holds a Shield." It's currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The etching feels like a stage tableau, the cross-hatching creating a somber mood. Is that supposed to be a makeshift blindfold on the seated figure? Curator: Indeed. Rosa’s process involved using different tools to create varied textures, from the coarse armor to the smooth shield. Note the layering of lines to build form. Editor: I wonder about the socio-political context. Was Rosa commenting on justice, protection, or perhaps sacrifice during his tumultuous period? The shield becomes a powerful symbol. Curator: Exactly, the materials are a vehicle for these narratives. Consider how easily the print can be circulated, and the messages it delivers to new audiences. Editor: Seeing it this way helps uncover the artist’s intentions, as well as how this piece interacts with the artistic production and social dynamics of the 17th century. Curator: Precisely! Rosa's craftsmanship invites viewers to interrogate the deeper meanings embedded in everyday objects. Editor: It offers a stark reminder of how art, even in its humblest form, participates in the larger debates that shape society.