Pipers 1810

Curator: Here we have Bartolomeo Pinelli's etching, "Pipers," held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I'm immediately struck by the figures' elongated forms; there's a certain melancholy in the delicate, almost skeletal lines. Curator: Pinelli, born in Rome in 1781, often depicted scenes of Roman life and folklore. These pipers, or zampognari, were itinerant musicians, often associated with the Christmas season. Editor: The interplay of light and shadow created by the etched lines defines not just form, but also texture; the roughspun garments, the worn leather of their boots, are all palpable. It’s a visual language that evokes a distinct emotional register. Curator: Exactly. Consider how these figures, often peasants, played a vital, yet marginalized role. Pinelli's work humanizes them, giving them visibility within a changing social landscape. These men were part of a broader system of class and power, traveling troubadours bringing culture to the masses, for a price. Editor: The stark contrast emphasizes the materiality of the print itself, inviting closer inspection. Curator: Precisely. Pinelli encourages us to look, listen, and consider the social narratives interwoven in this seemingly simple scene. Editor: Indeed, a poignant reminder of art's ability to capture transient cultural moments and to question them.