Smoked Herring c. 1860 - 1865

Curator: This is John William Hill's "Smoked Herring," part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. The exact date is unknown. Editor: The composition is quite striking, isn't it? The way the light catches the scales gives them an almost metallic sheen. Curator: Hill was deeply interested in the material world. These herrings, likely humble fare, become elevated through his meticulous attention. It makes you wonder about food scarcity and access during his time. Editor: And notice how he’s used color to describe form and texture. The browns, blues, and yellows create a rich, tactile surface. It transcends a simple representation of smoked fish. Curator: Absolutely. By depicting this everyday subject with such care, Hill perhaps sought to validate labor and the everyday rituals surrounding food production and consumption. Editor: It certainly shifts our perspective. I find myself lingering on the artistry more than the subject matter. Curator: It is a reminder that even in seemingly mundane things, there is beauty, and perhaps, a deeper story about our relationship with the world. Editor: A testament to Hill's artistry and the layered experience of observation.