The Scapegoat c. 20th century

Curator: Karl Knaths created "The Scapegoat," a somber, evocative work with no precise date, now held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark contrast in this black and white print certainly creates a sense of unease. The jagged lines and distorted figures contribute to a feeling of anxiety. Curator: It seems Knaths is referencing the social construct of blame and the burdens placed on marginalized individuals, or groups, throughout history. The material—likely a printmaking technique like etching or lithography—allows for the distribution of this commentary to a wider audience. Editor: The composition directs our gaze immediately to the central figure, clearly the scapegoat. Its angular form and downcast posture amplify the feeling of isolation and unjust condemnation. Curator: Exactly. Consider the time it was created. What societal conditions might Knaths be responding to? Who becomes the convenient target during social unrest? Editor: Even without knowing the exact historical context, the universality of scapegoating shines through. It makes you consider how we, as viewers, participate in systems of blame. Curator: Indeed, it's fascinating how the materiality of the piece itself invites contemplation on these social dynamics. Editor: A powerful, if unsettling, work that leaves us pondering the human cost of assigning blame.