Standing Woman c. 1809 - 1810

Editor: Here we have Merry Joseph Blondel's "Standing Woman," an undated sketch at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like a study for a larger work, and I'm struck by the classical drapery. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This image presents an opportunity to consider the construction of femininity and classical ideals within the Neoclassical movement. How might this representation of a woman, seemingly referencing antiquity, uphold or challenge the social roles prescribed to women during Blondel's time? What is she holding? Editor: It looks like she is holding a bundle. It is hard to tell, but I'm assuming that it's a baby. Curator: Exactly! Considering the artist's context, we might see this work engaging with themes of motherhood and domesticity. It reflects the prevailing societal expectations of women as nurturers and caregivers. The sketch almost feels like a political statement, if we allow for the possibility of Blondel's subtle critique. Editor: That’s a fascinating way to look at it. It makes me think about how even seemingly simple sketches can hold complex cultural meanings. Curator: Precisely. Art can be a powerful tool for understanding the nuances of social history.