Bust of a Girl c. 18th century

Curator: This delicate etching is Johann Gottlieb Glume's "Bust of a Girl." Editor: My first impression is of quiet contemplation; the hatching gives a sense of depth. Curator: Glume, active in 18th century Berlin, was renowned for portraiture. This intimate work hints at the social context of artistic production. Editor: The formal composition, the girl's profile, and the artist's linear technique create a strong sense of character, with the hatching directing the eye. Curator: Indeed. The very labor inherent in etching—the act of mark-making itself—speaks to the value placed on hand production within a specific workshop environment. Editor: A good point. Ultimately, Glume's economy of line creates something both elegant and enduring. Curator: It's striking how such a small piece offers so much insight into the relationship between artistic practice and the society that sustained it.