S. Dorothea c. 19th century

Curator: This is Frederick Girsch's "S. Dorothea," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you about it? Editor: It's so delicate, almost ethereal. The soft rendering of form and the muted light create a contemplative mood. Curator: Indeed. Dorothea was a fourth-century martyr. Considering the socio-political constraints placed on women's bodies and agency throughout history, Dorothea’s story of defiance resonates deeply. Editor: Absolutely. And the fruits, held by the angel, become emblems of that defiance—tangible symbols of her unwavering belief against material opposition. What do you think of the technique? Curator: The medium of engraving, chosen by Girsch, is fascinating. Each line meticulously carved speaks to a tradition that can be read through the lens of labor and skill. Editor: A perfect convergence of the ethereal and the material, wouldn’t you say? Curator: Precisely. It adds a layer of depth to our understanding of this work. Editor: I agree, thinking about how we make meaning of labor adds another layer of value.