Mystic Vision; verso: Study of Two Legs c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have "Mystic Vision," attributed to Carlo Maratti. It’s a drawing with no specific date. The composition feels very theatrical, almost like a stage design. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: This drawing reflects the intense religious atmosphere of the era. Note how the cross, prominently displayed, isn't merely a symbol but a theatrical prop, almost. How does its scale, seemingly larger than life, influence your understanding of its role within the broader context of religious imagery and power dynamics? Editor: It does feel like a statement, a very public declaration. Curator: Exactly. Consider the institutional framework that fostered such imagery. How did the Church utilize art to shape public perception and reinforce its authority? Editor: I see now how this drawing wasn't just a personal expression, but also a tool. Curator: Precisely. The drawing acts as a visual argument within a larger societal discourse.