Study for the Last Judgment in the Cupola of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence c. 1574

Curator: Federico Zuccaro, born in 1539, created this preparatory drawing entitled, "Study for the Last Judgment in the Cupola of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence." It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it's like a chaotic dreamscape! All these cherubic figures swirling around, some angelic, others…not so much. Curator: Zuccaro’s piece provides insight into the Counter-Reformation's artistic climate, where the Church grappled with theological reform and aimed to visually communicate concepts of sin, redemption, and divine judgment. It reflects the period’s anxieties and power dynamics. Editor: Right, I see that tension. It's not just fluffy clouds and cute babies; there's a real sense of judgment hanging in the air, a real emotional depth. It feels raw. Curator: Exactly! The study showcases Zuccaro's engagement with religious and political discourse. And so, it prompts us to examine the socio-historical context in which it was produced and received. Editor: It’s a beautiful mess, a testament to the turbulent times. I’ll never look at cherubs the same way again.