Full-bloom roses c. 20th century

Editor: This is Warren Mack's "Full-blown Roses," a print in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. The stark contrast gives it a somber feel, despite the subject matter. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Roses are potent symbols, aren't they? They can represent love, beauty, and even secrecy. The black and white heightens the sense of duality—joy and sorrow, life and death—a classic vanitas motif, perhaps? Editor: I hadn't thought of that. The starkness does add a layer of complexity. Curator: Consider the vase: its simple form directs our attention to the blooms themselves, almost like a stage. What memories or associations do roses evoke for you? Editor: I think of my grandmother's garden. So, it's interesting how personal symbols can also hold such universal meaning. Curator: Exactly! The power of imagery lies in its ability to connect us to both individual and collective experiences.