Springtime 1857

Curator: Looking at this print, I'm immediately drawn into this landscape filled with blooms—it feels like Daubigny is not just depicting springtime, but capturing its very essence. Editor: It's interesting how he uses etching to mimic the texture of the foliage; you can almost feel the grain of the paper reinforcing the sense of materiality. What's it called again? Curator: This is "Springtime" by Charles-François Daubigny. It is housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The labor involved in creating all these fine lines to give the impression of light and shadow is considerable. It speaks to the democratization of art through printmaking; more people could have access. Curator: Absolutely. And maybe that's why it feels so universally appealing. There's a humble beauty here. Editor: Perhaps. It's a reminder that even artistic expression is rooted in labor, materials, and a means of production. Curator: A beautiful sentiment, I agree. I feel like going for a countryside walk now! Editor: I think I will do more research into the social impact of printmaking.