Crucifixion c. 16th century

Curator: This engraving is Giorgio Ghisi’s “Crucifixion,” and it is currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's such an emotionally charged image. The swirl of angels around the figure, their expressions ranging from sorrow to confusion... it creates this sense of overwhelming grief. Curator: Ghisi, active in the 16th century, was known for his skill in translating paintings into prints. The image's dissemination undoubtedly played a part in shaping popular conceptions and the reception of the crucifixion. Editor: Absolutely. And the way the text at the bottom frames the image—it's not just about religious devotion, but about acknowledging human fallibility and the price paid. The angels, in that sense, become witnesses to injustice. Curator: Considering its history of display, and that we now engage with the work in a museum, how might the piece function differently now? Editor: I think that today, it invites contemplation on suffering, sacrifice, and the ever-present need for societal change. Curator: Yes, a potent reminder of the sociopolitical weight religion can carry. Editor: Exactly! A timeless representation of pain, hope, and the power of art to provoke dialogue.