Die Grabung nach dem Heiligen Kreuz c. 1602 - 1605

Curator: Look at the drama of the scene! It’s all light and shadow, directed to the Herculean efforts of these figures laboring in the earth. Editor: Indeed! What we're observing is Adam Elsheimer's pen and ink drawing, "The Excavation of the Holy Cross," likely created between 1602 and 1605. It resides here at the Städel Museum. The Baroque flair is palpable even in a study such as this. Curator: Yes, the physical exertion practically leaps off the page, the dynamism heightened by the contrast between the workers in the foreground and the more passively observing figures in the background. Note the cross being raised, heavy labor memorialized with purpose. What does it mean? What kind of person would do this work? Editor: Elsheimer is concerned with rendering not just the religious narrative, but the social context surrounding it, too. What materials are needed? Who is involved in this enterprise? The tools are simplistic, their forms articulated with clear lines and tonal contrast, each figure is defined through their act of contributing manual labor to a sacred task. Curator: Precisely! And think about what is buried. The recovery of an artifact versus a manufactured construction. A buried object imbued with importance, uncovered to give power. Editor: We can see Elsheimer is fascinated by this contrast of spiritual significance embodied through human making, manual work versus religious fervor. These elements blend through compositional means – look at the arrangement. Curator: It strikes me that by framing them so centrally, the working bodies aren't merely incidental. They are an intrinsic, indispensable part of the miracle! I feel transported to the earthiness of this event, this historic moment! Editor: Elsheimer manages to elevate this drawing by drawing on the physicality of human hands making something powerful, bridging high art and the every day! The labor, after all, is a devotional act. Curator: A compelling interpretation indeed, emphasizing the critical roles that materiality and social dimensions play in historical narratives! Editor: A close viewing really transforms this humble ink drawing! Thank you for that framing.