Sun c. 19th century

Curator: This print, entitled Sun, presents a classical image bathed in a warm, terracotta hue. The artist is Conte Carlo Lasinio, and it resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The ochre palette creates such a powerful mood, almost sepia-toned like an ancient memory being recalled. It makes me think of ruins baking in the sun. Curator: Indeed. The figure of Sol, the sun god, driving his chariot, resonates with centuries of symbolic representation. He embodies power, enlightenment, and the cyclical nature of time. Consider how the male gaze might affect how we interpret this god's dominance. Editor: Absolutely. The horses, nearly leaping off the page, convey this sense of dynamic movement and energy; they are an integral part of Sol's visual language. Curator: Looking at this, I'm reminded of how representations of deities have evolved, often reflecting and reinforcing social structures. Editor: It is a potent image, imbued with layers of meaning that still speak to us today.