Pen Box with Woman Wearing Beaded Necklace c. 1875 - 1900

Curator: The anonymous "Pen Box with Woman Wearing Beaded Necklace" from the Harvard Art Museums presents an intriguing glimpse into a bygone era. Editor: It has an understated elegance, doesn’t it? The warm, earthy tones and that central figure give it a rather contemplative mood. Curator: Indeed. Considering the cultural context of such an object, who was she and what did her representation signify for the owner of this pen box? Was it about status, femininity, or something else? Editor: Perhaps it reflects a broader narrative, one where women's identities were intricately linked with adornment and social expectation. Curator: It highlights the role of art in everyday life, reflecting perhaps the owner’s aspirations. Editor: Absolutely, and these small objects provide invaluable insights into the lives of women in the past.