Nun 18th-19th century

Editor: This is Antonio Morghen’s "Nun," from the Harvard Art Museums. It has a somber, almost pious mood. What stands out to you about its creation? Curator: The act of engraving itself is significant. The labor-intensive process, the skilled hand shaping the metal, is in dialogue with the nun’s own life of dedication and perhaps even hardship. How does the material support the message? Editor: I see how the sharp lines create a sense of discipline, mirroring the subject’s choices. Curator: Precisely. The material is not neutral; it is actively participating in shaping meaning. We can think about how the print medium makes it easier to replicate the image, which helps spread the idea of devotion and the representation of the nun. Editor: That gives me a fresh perspective on the piece. Curator: Indeed, it allows a deeper understanding of both its historical context and artistic intent.