Lucius Verus c. 19th century

Curator: Let's discuss this engraving of "Lucius Verus" by Gaetano Bonatti, found here at the Harvard Art Museums. The precision of the line work really catches my eye. Editor: It's a classic, almost stoic depiction, isn't it? The figure's beard and hair have such a meticulously crafted curl. I wonder about the original bust... what cultural weight does it carry? Curator: Well, prints like this were crucial for disseminating classical ideals and aesthetics. Consider the labor invested in creating and distributing these images. It allowed for a democratization of access to classical art! Editor: I suppose seeing it reproduced like this, the image of Lucius Verus also becomes a symbol itself, echoing power and authority across centuries. Curator: Yes, exactly! Through Bonatti's engraving, we're not just looking at a portrait, but a system of artistic production and dissemination. Editor: It certainly makes me consider how symbols evolve and are continuously reinterpreted through artistic techniques and production.