Virgin, Saint Sebastian and a Bishop c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Virgin, Saint Sebastian and a Bishop" by Ugo da Carpi. It's quite striking, with its sepia tones and layered figures. How do you approach interpreting a piece like this? Curator: The chiaroscuro woodcut, with its emphasis on tonal contrasts rather than line, invites a study of formal relationships. Consider how Carpi orchestrates light and shadow to define the figures and create depth. Editor: It’s interesting that you focus on the light. What does that emphasis tell us? Curator: Light here does not merely illuminate; it articulates form and volume. Observe, for instance, the modulation of light across Saint Sebastian's musculature and how this contrasts with the softer rendering of the Virgin. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s less about the story and more about how it's depicted. Curator: Precisely. The interplay of light and shadow is the narrative. Studying this reveals Carpi's manipulation of visual elements to create a dynamic composition. Editor: That reframes my understanding of the work; the form is the key to understanding the art itself.