Saint Francis in the Chapel 1581

Curator: Before us is Federico Barocci's "Saint Francis in the Chapel," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The crisp lines of the etching create an ethereal mood, a vision emerging right before our eyes. Curator: Indeed, and if we look closer, we see Saint Francis kneeling, bathed in divine light, witnessing a celestial gathering, including Christ, Mary, and other saints. Editor: The material reality of his worn habit contrasts with the swirling heavens. It speaks to the Franciscan vow of poverty but is still a very opulent print. Curator: Absolutely. The symbols—the skull, the crucifix—are visual reminders of mortality and redemption. The figures are arranged almost like a tapestry of faith. Editor: Considering Barocci's workshop practice, I wonder about the division of labor and the distribution of these prints. Were they intended for private devotion? Curator: They certainly served to carry potent visual theology, echoing through time, touching diverse hands and hearts. Editor: An interesting interplay of the earthly and divine, captured through reproducible means.