Adoration of the Kings c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have Pietro Santi Bartoli’s "Adoration of the Kings," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The tonality immediately strikes me—a stark contrast lending a dramatic, almost theatrical air. Curator: Indeed. Bartoli masterfully employs the etched line to create a dynamic range of values, wouldn't you agree? The composition also hinges on the converging diagonals. Editor: Precisely! See how the star, a beacon of hope, aligns with the Holy Family, drawing the eye towards the central figures in a visual metaphor of divine focus. The Magi, their postures expressing reverence, represent the universality of faith. Curator: And the texture—note the density of lines in the darker areas compared to the relative openness in the illuminated spaces. It truly emphasizes the play of light and shadow, or, chiaroscuro. Editor: The imagery of the ruined stable also resonates deeply—a symbol of humility, where even in the lowliest of places, the divine can manifest. Curator: Absolutely. The image speaks of structure, divinity, and humanity, all within a defined frame. Editor: It's a potent reminder that hope, like the sun, can rise even in the darkest circumstances.