Study for ‘The Fates Gathering in the Stars’ II c. 1884 - 1887

Editor: This is "Study for ‘The Fates Gathering in the Stars’ II," a pencil and pastel drawing by Elihu Vedder, dating from around 1884 to 1887. The texture created by the pencil and pastel on the paper is really striking; you can almost feel the tooth of the paper. What catches your eye in terms of its creation? Curator: Immediately, the combination of materials used here is interesting: pencil, a readily available tool reflecting the rise of industrial manufacturing, paired with pastel, a material that demands a certain level of specialized craft in its creation and preservation. We have an image representing mythical figures, and Vedder has crafted this work using industrial and traditional means, the paper is machine-made likely in a factory. These materials aren’t naturally sourced. What impact would using modern industrial materials to portray such a scene? Editor: I hadn’t thought of that. Does the act of representing these ancient figures using modern, mass-produced tools impact our reading of their role as arbiters of destiny? Is there a conflict inherent to that choice? Curator: Precisely. It asks us to consider how the means of production influence the message. Is Vedder suggesting that even the Fates are subject to the forces of industrial modernity? The texture achieved could also reflect a critique, emphasizing labor intensive details with industrially available goods and time-consuming effort. Editor: So, rather than just seeing a mythological scene, we should also be thinking about the societal shifts happening around Vedder, influencing his art-making process? Curator: Exactly! It shows us the impact the shifting tides of labor have upon art. This image is not only beautiful, but functions as an insight to Vedder's lived experiences with social production at the time of this drawings making. The confluence of mass production and the unique mark making really contextualize this era! Editor: That gives me a totally new appreciation for what went into creating this, it really goes to show the impact that environment has upon artistic license. Curator: Indeed! Looking closer at material use expands our understanding of art production and artistic vision.