Port Scene with a Round Tower c. 17th century

Curator: Adam Perelle, born in 1640, created this etching, "Port Scene with a Round Tower". It’s currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels almost like a memory. The circular frame softens it, and the figures seem to be moving towards some unseen purpose. Curator: The round tower is a common symbol of strength and protection, but placed near a port, it also implies trade and connection to the wider world. The people could be merchants, travelers, or even refugees. Editor: The etching process itself mirrors that interconnectedness. The artist’s hand, the acid, the plate, and the press all collaborating to make multiple copies. It democratizes the image. Curator: Exactly. Prints like this helped spread particular images of ports and fortified cities, informing perceptions and collective memories about these places. Editor: It’s remarkable how such a small, reproducible image could carry so much cultural weight. Curator: Indeed. The symbols and the means of production both contribute to the legacy of this piece.