Study of the Figure of Eudes de Montreuil c. 19th century

Curator: This is Victor-François-Eloi Biennourry's "Study of the Figure of Eudes de Montreuil," held at the Harvard Art Museums. The artist, born in 1823, captures the figure in a contemplative pose. Editor: There's something so subdued about the gray wash and the figure's downward gaze; it evokes a sense of humility, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Biennourry’s choice of subject—Eudes de Montreuil, a master builder—situates the work within a historical narrative of craft and labor. His pose isn't heroic; it's one of quiet dedication. Editor: And the material itself speaks volumes. The visible layering of the wash emphasizes the tangible act of building the image, mirroring the subject’s profession. It's a quiet nod to the process. Curator: Exactly. By highlighting the materiality of the drawing and the subject's role, Biennourry challenges traditional hierarchies in art. Editor: It makes you wonder about the value placed on labor then, and how much has really changed since. Curator: Yes, looking at this image opens so many avenues for intersectional thought. Editor: It’s amazing how much the artist makes the study feel like a finished piece.