Study of a Seated Girl c. 1910

Curator: This is Heinrich Zille’s "Study of a Seated Girl," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The piece, a small drawing, captures a seemingly candid moment. Editor: There’s something so fragile about it, isn’t there? The sketchy lines, the diminutive size—it feels very immediate, like a glimpse into a private world. Curator: Zille was known for depicting working-class life in Berlin. You can see in his focus on everyday subjects a reflection of broader social concerns and the burgeoning socialist movements of the time. Editor: Absolutely, and the materiality reinforces that. It’s not a grand oil painting, but a humble drawing, a medium accessible to many. It speaks to the democratization of art, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. Zille’s art became a tool for social commentary, highlighting the lives of those often ignored by mainstream artistic circles. Editor: It makes you consider the unseen labor and lives that make up the art world as well, and how Zille gave dignity to subjects often overlooked. Curator: Exactly. It reminds us that art isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of societal values. Editor: A good reminder to consider both the image and its making.