Meeting c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Meeting," an engraving by August Gaber, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The scene feels quite idyllic, with families and nature intertwined. What do you see in this work? Curator: It evokes a sense of longing for a simpler time, perhaps intentionally. Images like this often romanticized rural life, obscuring the realities of labor and class divisions. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraying these figures; who benefits from this representation of harmony? Editor: That's a good point, it almost seems too perfect. How does that relate to its historical context? Curator: This image likely circulated within a growing urban population, fostering nostalgia while simultaneously reinforcing existing social hierarchies. Consider the potential impact on viewers of different social classes. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's not just a pleasant scene, but a statement. Curator: Exactly! And questioning those statements is key.