Faith, from the series "The Seven Virtues (seated, small, and round)" c. early 20th century

Curator: This artwork, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, is entitled "Faith," and belongs to "The Seven Virtues" series. What strikes you about this little disc? Editor: Its earthiness, the way the bronze seems almost molded by hand. It feels so intimate, almost like a lucky charm. Is it small? Curator: Yes, it's quite petite, a mere 4.2 cm in diameter. The anonymous artist captured Faith seated, holding a chalice and a host—symbols of the Eucharist. Editor: There's a certain weight to it, though, a seriousness. The cross in the background, the heavy robes... it speaks of devotion, but also duty. Curator: Absolutely. These virtues were often commissioned by religious orders or wealthy patrons as reminders of moral conduct, a visual catechism. Editor: Knowing that, I see the 'roundness' of this series in a different light. It’s not just an aesthetic choice, but about the all-encompassing nature of virtue in everyday life. Curator: Precisely. It transforms the divine into the domestic, the monumental into the miniature. Editor: It gives me pause. It's easy to forget that things we now consider decorative items were meant to carry so much meaning. Curator: Indeed, objects like this open a window into the spiritual landscape of another era. Editor: Yes, I feel quite differently about this object now.