Extreme Unction, from "The Seven Sacraments" 1754

Curator: Johann Anton Riedel created this print, "Extreme Unction, from 'The Seven Sacraments'" in 1754. It’s currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Editor: My initial response is one of profound somberness. The composition, with its muted tones and crowded figures, creates an atmosphere thick with mourning and ritual. Curator: Precisely. Riedel employs engraving to capture the Baroque sensibility prevalent during that time. Note the strategic use of light and shadow. The figure being given his last rites becomes the focal point, contrasting starkly with the darkness enveloping the mourners. It's a potent study in tonal contrasts. Editor: I agree. Observing from a wider viewpoint, this print captures the social rituals around death and the role of the Church in mediating these transitional moments. The inclusion of what seems to be a skull acts as a clear “memento mori,” and considering its creation during the mid-18th century, what thoughts could it inspire given what the audiences knew? Curator: Riedel’s mastery lies in the print’s detail. The lines vary greatly in width, constructing not only the spatial depth, but also highlighting individual responses to death—contemplation, grief, resignation—making the print emotionally resonant. Editor: Indeed, seeing this reminds me how public grieving rituals were during this period. It seems to act almost like a theater, emphasizing how deeply interwoven these religious rituals were into social life and the collective psyche. Considering its function as one of the "Seven Sacraments", this work visually asserts and reinforces established religious customs. Curator: I appreciate your historical viewpoint, Editor. When engaging with artwork it is important to look at the sum of the parts. Here, we notice the artist employing techniques such as contrasting values, but in the end it comes together in an impactful message for both the viewer and subject depicted. Editor: And understanding the social role and religious practice certainly gives added layers of appreciation for this somber piece.