Standing Man and Woman c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Rodolphe Bresdin's "Standing Man and Woman." It's a very small pen and brown ink drawing. I find the sketch-like quality really striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Given Bresdin's political leanings, it's tempting to read this as a comment on social roles. Consider the figures' postures—do they reflect societal expectations or challenge them? What does it mean to display such intimacy in a public institution like the Harvard Art Museums? Editor: So, its display also impacts its reception. That's a really interesting point. Curator: Indeed. It's about the power of institutions to shape narratives around art and society. Editor: I'm definitely looking at it differently now!