The Apotheosis of Saint Mark (recto and verso) 1700 - 1771

Editor: This is "The Apotheosis of Saint Mark," made sometime between 1700 and 1771 by Pietro Roselli. It’s a pen and ink drawing currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition feels so dynamic and active, almost as if the figures are bursting from the page. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s precisely that dynamism that draws me in. Baroque art, especially, often served as a powerful tool of the Church, imbuing faith with fervent emotion. How does this representation of Saint Mark's ascent challenge or reinforce existing social hierarchies, particularly concerning religious authority? Do you see hints of that here? Editor: I think I do... the figures look like they are arranged to direct our eyes up to the Saint. The use of ink further creates light and shadow that dramatize his rise. Curator: Exactly! And consider, too, the accessibility of prints and drawings versus grander paintings. Did this make religious imagery more democratic? Think about who might have owned or viewed this piece. The political landscape of the era. Editor: That's something I hadn't considered before. That’s interesting, so the image would likely have been produced on a wider scale? Curator: Possibly. Ask yourself about how art, especially religious art, operated within the societal structures of the time. How does art reflect and shape those power dynamics? It’s all about unpacking those underlying dialogues. Editor: I see it. I will consider who might have engaged with religious imagery through art. Thanks, I really appreciate your explanation! Curator: It was a pleasure to unpack those questions with you!