Castor, after antiquity 1772 - 1788

Curator: This is Nathaniel Marchant's "Castor, after antiquity," currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The oval form is quite striking, with a neoclassical coolness emanating from the pale relief against the dark border. Curator: Marchant, who lived from 1739 to 1816, carved this intaglio drawing inspiration from classical forms during a period of renewed interest in antiquity. Editor: The delicate carving brings a three-dimensionality to the figure. How does its size influence its accessibility? Curator: Its portability made it accessible across social strata, spreading certain ideals of beauty and masculinity. Editor: Right. The piece embodies classical ideals of beauty, which reflects the cultural values of the era in which it was produced. Curator: Indeed, a signifier of status and education. Editor: It really makes one consider the role of art in shaping perceptions of beauty through history.