Jonah 1774

Curator: This engraving by François Vivares, titled "Jonah," depicts the biblical story with a dramatic flair. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: It’s striking how Vivares renders this storm, a swirling vortex of water, ship timbers, and human figures, all threatened by the gaping jaws of a monstrous whale. The labor of the line work must have been intense. Curator: Indeed. Considering the original context, depictions of Jonah were often used allegorically, representing themes of repentance, divine intervention, and, perhaps, societal redemption during periods of upheaval. Editor: I see a very clear tension between the human construction of the ship, almost overwhelmed by the scale of the nature in the sea monster and storm. Curator: The figures on the shore also seem very aware of their place and role in the drama that is unfolding before them. Editor: And all this etched into a metal plate... I'm left wondering about the workshops where these prints were produced and the hands involved. Curator: It definitely gives us more to consider about production, reception, and the social dimensions in play within the artistic narrative. Editor: Absolutely, placing the piece into a historical context helps us consider it more deeply.