Piece II c. 18th century

Editor: This is Piece II, an anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like a printer's ornament, but what do you see in it? Curator: These small, often anonymous, engravings played a huge role in disseminating visual culture. Consider how this image might have been used – perhaps to frame text, or as a decorative element in a book. Its purpose shapes its reception. Editor: So, its value lies less in the artistry and more in its function? Curator: Exactly! The politics of imagery are always at play. By understanding how it was used, we gain insight into the historical context, and the public it served. Editor: That makes me appreciate it more now, considering its role.