Jasper Schade van Westrum c. 19th century

Curator: Let’s discuss Charles Albert Waltner’s print, "Jasper Schade van Westrum," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you? Editor: The heavy texture! Look at how the light catches on the fabric of his coat. It looks almost three-dimensional, like it was built up with layers of charcoal. Curator: It's a testament to Waltner's skill as a printmaker. This work raises questions about portraiture in the late 19th century, shifting from painting to print. Consider its function as a reproducible image. Editor: Exactly! It democratizes access, taking portraiture out of the hands of the wealthy elite. The materiality speaks volumes about this shift in power and accessibility. Curator: Indeed. It makes me wonder about the relationship between art, audience, and the changing landscape of image consumption. Editor: I appreciate seeing how the means of production here reflect the social shifts of its time. Curator: A valuable perspective that allows us to appreciate this artwork anew.