Jacob’s Ladder, illustration for ‘La Piedra Gloriosa’ 1655

Editor: This etching by Rembrandt van Rijn, “Jacob’s Ladder,” created around 1655 as an illustration for “La Piedra Gloriosa”, presents a scene shrouded in shadow. The ladder rising to the heavens feels both hopeful and deeply unsettling. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, the oppressive darkness Rembrandt employs speaks volumes. Think about the social context of 17th-century Europe, deeply divided along religious lines. The story of Jacob, wrestling with divine forces, mirrors the individual’s struggle for meaning in a world dominated by dogma and persecution. Is the ladder a symbol of hope, or a reminder of a rigid hierarchical system? Editor: I see the religious context, but I also feel the universal longing for connection. Even now, despite institutional critiques, people search for spirituality. Is it an overly romantic reading to see that enduring search reflected here? Curator: Not at all. The enduring power of religious narratives, even within secular societies, speaks to a deep-seated human need. However, let's not forget that Rembrandt was working within a very specific religious and political environment. He challenges the very idea of easy salvation and shows this hard work! How might that relate to the struggles of marginalized communities seeking empowerment today? Editor: I guess it emphasizes agency. It’s not about passively accepting dogma but actively wrestling with it. Curator: Precisely! The act of climbing, the struggle against the darkness, that is where the transformative power lies. This etching then, speaks not just of faith, but of resistance. Editor: It’s incredible how much the social background shapes my view. Curator: Indeed, art history isn't a detached discipline, but a tool for understanding ourselves and our place in the world, even now. Editor: Thank you! I definitely appreciate the connection to resistance more clearly.