Maison des Ambassadeurs, Dijon c. 20th century

Curator: This etching is titled "Maison des Ambassadeurs, Dijon," by Frederick Garrison Hall. The work is currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredibly detailed. The facade feels both grand and a bit worn, evocative of stories held within those walls. Curator: Hall was known for his architectural studies, often focusing on the ways that historical buildings reflect the social fabric of their time. The Maison des Ambassadeurs, in particular, held significance. Editor: How so? Did its architecture reveal particular power structures or social hierarchies in Dijon? Curator: Precisely. The building's intricate ornamentation reflects the wealth and influence that certain families had during that time. Hall captures a snapshot of that history. Editor: It’s a reminder that even inanimate structures reflect and reinforce complex societal relationships. Looking at it through that lens changes everything. Curator: Absolutely. It also raises questions about whose histories are preserved and celebrated in art. Editor: It leaves me thinking about how we can engage with these architectural archives in more inclusive ways.