Sabrina c. 19th century

Editor: This is Peter Lightfoot's "Sabrina," date unknown, housed here at Harvard. The swirling figures and monochromatic palette create a very dreamlike, ethereal feeling. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It feels like stepping into a literary vision, doesn't it? The grouping of figures, perhaps nymphs, evokes classical mythology. The title, "Sabrina," probably references the nymph of the River Severn in British folklore. Do you sense the pre-Raphaelite influence? Editor: I can see that. The flowing hair and idealized forms remind me of Waterhouse. What does it say about the artist’s perception of women, or nature? Curator: Perhaps Lightfoot is romanticizing both. It's a dance between the real and the imagined. I wonder what drew him to this particular subject. Editor: I hadn't considered the literary aspect before, but I think it adds a lot to how I see the piece. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Art is always richer when we connect it to the broader cultural landscape.