Plum in Snow  c. early to mid 20th century

Editor: This is Yi Myǒng-hyǒk's "Plum in Snow," a scroll at the Harvard Art Museums. It has this calligraphic, almost abstract feel, but I can still distinguish birds and flowers. What historical context am I missing? Curator: Think about the Joseon period in Korea. The plum blossom was more than just a flower; it symbolized perseverance and resilience. It bloomed even amidst winter's harshness. How does that inform your reading of the piece? Editor: Ah, so the "snow" isn't just weather, but also a metaphor for hardship? Curator: Precisely. And consider the artist's choice to depict it. What statement might Yi Myǒng-hyǒk be making about the human spirit or Korean identity through this symbolic landscape? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way! I was focused on the aesthetic but it's a powerful message of resistance. Curator: It's a reminder that art is never created in a vacuum, and understanding its social and political context is key.