Faun, Nymph and Swineherd 1923

Editor: Here we have Lovis Corinth's print, "Faun, Nymph and Swineherd," held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. It feels so chaotic and dreamlike! What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: It's fascinating to see how Corinth, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, engaged with classical themes. But doesn't the raw, almost frenzied line work disrupt any sense of idyllic harmony we might expect? Editor: Yes, it's quite a contrast. The frenzied lines, is that expressionism influencing the classical subject matter? Curator: Precisely! Consider the socio-political climate of the time. Traditional notions of beauty and order were being challenged. What role do you think artists played in that challenge? Editor: They were reflecting and amplifying those societal shifts. This print shows that even classical subjects were being reinterpreted through a modern lens. Curator: Exactly, it’s about understanding how art both reflects and actively shapes the cultural landscape. Editor: That's a great point, the artist is choosing to use imagery to shape the cultural understanding, as well. Thanks!