Messalina with the Infant Britannicus, after the Antique c. 19th century

Curator: This is Albrecht Christoph Reindel’s "Messalina with the Infant Britannicus, after the Antique," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels so austere, almost cold, despite the implied tenderness of a mother holding a child. Curator: The image speaks to how classical sculpture was encountered and reproduced through printmaking practices. Editor: Absolutely. Think of the labor involved in creating this print, translating a three-dimensional form into precise lines. The materiality of the paper itself becomes crucial. Curator: The print also reflects the historical fascination with antiquity and how figures like Messalina were interpreted and disseminated for public consumption, shaping perceptions of Roman history. Editor: It’s amazing how the act of reproduction both preserves and transforms meaning over time. Curator: Precisely. These reproductive prints allowed the ancient world to be interpreted in new ways. Editor: It makes you consider the value we place on original artworks versus their reproduced counterparts.