The Entombment c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Andrea Scacciati's "The Entombment". It feels incredibly theatrical, almost staged, and the figures are positioned in a way that emphasizes emotion. How do you interpret this work within the context of its time? Curator: Well, let's consider the social function of religious art in the 18th century. How does this depiction of grief, so deliberately arranged, serve not just a devotional purpose, but also a social one? How does Scacciati's style reflect, or perhaps even challenge, the accepted artistic conventions of his era? Editor: So, it's not just about the biblical story, but also about communicating certain values or reinforcing social structures through art? Curator: Precisely. And think about the role of the museum or private collection where this might have been displayed. Who was the intended audience, and what messages were they meant to receive? Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about how art is more than just an image. Curator: Agreed. It's a reflection of the world it inhabits.