[Photo Collage: Woman with Pitchfork Aimed at Man] 1870 - 1880

Editor: We are looking at “[Photo Collage: Woman with Pitchfork Aimed at Man]” from circa 1870-1880 by Juan Pedro Chabalgoity, found here at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's a rather quirky collage using photographs and print. I'm immediately struck by the somewhat aggressive posture of the woman. How do you interpret the visual dynamic at play here? Curator: Note the dynamic opposition created by the use of line. The woman advances from right to left with the pitchfork as the implied line, directed towards the man. Also notice how the lines of the man's posture suggest retreat and weakness. What do you observe about the coloring? Editor: I see the flat planes of peach that are offset by the red trim of the dress and the implied movement created by the directionality of the figures, what does it mean? Curator: The flat peach, an arbitrary color choice. The color does not represent the external world and this flattening abstracts the image from the familiar creating a new image. Is the intent simply representational or satirical and is it intended for a specific purpose? Editor: Satirical certainly feels right. The absurdity of the collage pushes it beyond a simple portrait and makes it clear that there is intended commentary by the artist. Curator: I suggest it operates via contrast and that it is a highly personal statement. The interaction of line, color, and figure establishes meaning that would need more research and understanding to fully recognize. Do you find this helpful in decoding it? Editor: It helps to focus on the techniques as expressive devices, and how abstraction or lack thereof creates meaning, definitely a new point of view that I had not considered. Curator: Exactly. Close analysis helps reveal some of the intended effect by directing focus. A keen eye decodes visual intention to provide a stronger viewing of the image.