First Beech Study 1985 - 1986

Curator: Before us hangs Michael Mazur's "First Beech Study," a work of uncertain date now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its somber, almost melancholic mood. The heavy textures seem to weigh down the form. Curator: Note how the composition emphasizes the trunk's verticality, playing with line and form to create a sense of monumentality. The branching structure introduces a dynamic tension. Editor: Yes, and beech trees in folklore are often associated with wisdom and endurance. Their smooth bark was a place to record messages. The visible lines here evoke those inscriptions, hinting at stories held within. Curator: Indeed. Mazur's layering of etched lines and tones builds a complex surface, drawing attention to the materiality of the printmaking process itself. Editor: It’s as if the tree's very essence—its history and quiet strength—is etched into the paper. The image lingers in the mind. Curator: I find that the stark contrasts and powerful lines make it unforgettable.