Procès Fualdès c. 1818

Editor: This is "Procès Fualdès", an anonymous print from an unknown date, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a rather ominous feel. I’m struck by the stark contrast and the narrative it seems to suggest. What can you tell me about the historical context? Curator: The "Procès Fualdès" depicts a notorious murder case in 19th-century France, becoming a significant public spectacle. Prints like these served as a form of visual journalism, shaping public opinion and highlighting societal anxieties. The anonymity further emphasizes its role as a collective expression. What kind of social impact might images like this have? Editor: I hadn't considered it as a form of journalism, that's fascinating! It really puts into perspective how art can be used to capture and disseminate information on socio-political issues. Curator: Precisely! And its distribution allowed for a wider engagement with justice and morality. It underscores art's crucial role in shaping public discourse, even in the pre-mass media era.