Plate XV c. 17th century

Editor: So, this is Francesco Curti's "Plate XV," a small etching at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure's gaze and the staff-like object give it a somewhat melancholic feel. What story do you think this portrait is trying to tell? Curator: It's fascinating to consider this image within the context of 17th-century Italian society. Who was deemed worthy of portraiture, and what messages were these images meant to convey? The figure's androgynous features and the almost theatrical pose could be read as a commentary on gender roles and performance, especially within the artistic circles of the time. What if this is a non-binary person defying the social norms of the time? Editor: That's a compelling perspective. I hadn't considered the possibility of a deliberate subversion of gender norms. Curator: It encourages us to question the power dynamics inherent in portraiture and representation. Editor: Absolutely, thinking about the social context really opens up new layers of meaning. Thanks for that insight!