Infant Christ Adored by Angels c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Gérard Edelinck's "Infant Christ Adored by Angels," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is of hushed reverence. All these cherubic faces peering down... it's like stumbling into a secret, celestial lullaby. Curator: Edelinck, working in the 17th century, taps into a long tradition of depicting divine infancy. The angels, you see, aren't just cute; they symbolize the heavenly recognition of Christ's arrival. Editor: Yes, and that contrast between the sleeping infant and the wakeful, watchful angels... it's quite powerful. Almost a premonition of the weight he'll eventually carry. Curator: Precisely! This imagery speaks to the duality of innocence and destiny, a common theme in religious art throughout history. Editor: There's a vulnerability there, too. Even with all the angelic protection, that baby looks so incredibly fragile. Curator: An excellent observation. Edelinck captures that human element, reminding us of the Christ Child's earthly existence. Editor: Makes you wonder about the stories we tell ourselves through these images, doesn't it? So many layers of meaning woven into such a tender scene.