Zerubbabel c. 18th century

Editor: This print, "Zerubbabel," by Domenico Cunego, seems to be a reproduction of Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel. It has such a Renaissance feel. What do you see in this piece, beyond its obvious religious context? Curator: Considering it was made later, in the 18th century, it invites us to reflect on the ongoing construction of patriarchal lineages through religious narratives. How do power dynamics, particularly regarding gender, play out in the depiction of family and lineage? Editor: So you're saying it's not just about religious history, but also about how that history has been used to shape societal roles? Curator: Precisely. The very act of reproducing Michelangelo's work reinforces a certain canon, a certain way of understanding history. The image of Zerubbabel, a figure in the lineage of Jesus, takes on new meaning when we consider its role in legitimizing power structures. Editor: That’s given me a lot to think about. Thanks!