Rest in Egypt c. 18th century

Editor: This is Anton Heinrich Riedel's "Rest in Egypt," from around the late 18th, early 19th century, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The texture looks almost velvety. What can you tell us about this print? Curator: Notice how the engraver meticulously rendered textiles? The heavy drapery of Mary's robes, the roughspun garments of Joseph – each implies a different labor, a different social standing. This image isn't just about religious narrative; it's about the materials of life. Editor: That’s so interesting! I hadn't considered the clothing in that light. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about the materials transforms how we read the image.