Harvard Hall c. 20th century

Editor: This is "Harvard Hall" by Sears Gallagher, an etching. It makes me think of the weight of tradition, this old building braving the winter. What historical context should we consider when viewing it? Curator: Well, Gallagher’s choice to depict such an iconic landmark speaks to the institution's power and legacy. How does the print medium itself, affordable and reproducible, impact the accessibility of this image and its message? Editor: I guess it makes it democratic, in a way. Curator: Precisely! By creating an easily distributable image of Harvard Hall, Gallagher potentially broadened its symbolic reach and solidified its place in the public imagination. I wonder how its distribution shaped perceptions of the university. Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't thought about the medium influencing the message. Curator: Exactly, every artistic decision shapes the artwork's role in the public sphere.