Clematis c. 1863 - 1865

Editor: Here we have Frederick William Burton's "Clematis", residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It is striking to me how the artist renders the drapery; it feels both classical and modern. What is your interpretation of this work? Curator: The textures achieved are fascinating, aren't they? Look at the materiality of the paper itself, the laid lines visible beneath the pigment. Notice how the artist makes visible the means of production, almost like a textile worker displaying the weave. It merges craft and fine art. Editor: That's a good point, it does remind me of textile work. Thanks for your insights! Curator: Indeed, considering it through the lens of labor changes our perspective.