[Lyonel Feininger at his harmonium] c. 1910

Curator: This haunting silver gelatin print is titled "Lyonel Feininger at his harmonium" by Julia Feininger, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a curious, almost ethereal quality. The inverted tones create a sense of distance, as if viewing a memory. Curator: The inverted contrasts emphasize form, line, and texture, abstracting the scene. Note the compositional balance of the dark music stand against the lighter figure. Editor: The harmonium itself carries strong associations with home, spirituality, and artistic creation—a personal instrument, a conduit for emotional expression and creative inspiration. Curator: Precisely. The starkness of the print further isolates these forms, drawing attention to their intrinsic geometry and relationship. Editor: It's a powerful image, encapsulating both the subject and the act of artistic creation. Curator: Indeed, a remarkable convergence of formal elements and symbolic resonance.