Plate XLIV 18th-19th century

Curator: What a stark, almost frantic scene. The linear intensity really conveys the chaos of battle. Editor: Indeed. This is Plate XLIV by Jacques-Francois-Joseph Swebach, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. The complete lack of color really throws focus onto the process of the piece. Curator: Absolutely. The frantic line work communicates movement and suggests the labor put into its creation. Editor: The composition, while dynamic, is somewhat stark. The white space around the figures enhances the drama, drawing my eye to the central conflict between the horsemen. Curator: I'm drawn to how this work is a sort of industrial artifact itself, pointing back to workshops and the labor that went into producing these images for wider consumption. It speaks to how art serves the elite. Editor: A compelling point. Seeing the scene unfold, the gestures and positioning all contribute to a feeling of turmoil. Curator: Seeing this really makes me consider how the work's availability speaks to class. Editor: Ultimately, it is the dynamism that leaves a lasting impression. Curator: It certainly pushes you to consider labor, class, and the purpose behind its creation.