Petit Savoyard c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps' "Petit Savoyard" held at the Harvard Art Museums. It captures a young street performer with his props. Editor: It’s striking how much is conveyed in this seemingly simple image. The texture of the wall, the boy's weary posture, almost cinematic. Curator: Decamps was known for his orientalist themes, yet he also captured the social realities of his time. This work seems to suggest that the boy's performance is one for survival, perhaps not one of joy. Editor: Right. And the trained animal – is it a dog or a monkey dressed up? – creates a sense of the absurd, of manufactured entertainment to mask the hardship. Curator: Indeed, such troupes were common, highlighting social disparities and the desperation of the working class. It humanizes, but also speaks to broader socio-economic structures. Editor: It makes you think about who gets to be an artist and who is reduced to performing for one's supper. Powerful stuff in a little image.