Saint Sebastian c. 19th century

Curator: Let’s turn our attention now to Ferdinand Gaillard's "Saint Sebastian," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a vulnerability in this depiction. It's not just the physical exposure but a tenderness that feels almost confrontational. Curator: Gaillard's mastery of engraving is evident; it’s a celebration of line and tone. I'm struck by the intricate detail in the architectural setting, a beautiful counterpoint to the human form. Editor: The labor, the time, to create such detail! This wasn't just art; it was a testament to the engraver's skill, a kind of material devotion to craft. Curator: Indeed. It's interesting how Saint Sebastian, so often portrayed in agony, here seems almost serene, accepting his fate. What do you take away from it? Editor: A recognition of the sheer effort, the physicality of making art. And a somber reflection on how labor and suffering are forever intertwined, both in art and in life.