Portfolio cover 19th-20th century

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the tactile quality of this portfolio cover. The raised patterns on the leather suggest careful craftsmanship. Editor: Indeed. This is a portfolio cover by Odilon Redon, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m drawn to how such a functional object reflects the values of the art world at the time. Curator: Absolutely. The materials themselves—the leather, the ornate corner and side decorations—speak to a deliberate attempt to elevate the status of the works contained within. Were these for public display or private commissions, do you think? Editor: Given Redon's circle and the rise of private galleries, I'd hazard a guess it served both purposes. The portfolio itself becomes a statement, a piece of material culture signifying artistic value. Curator: It's a reminder that the presentation of art is as constructed as the art itself. Even a portfolio plays a role in shaping how art is received. Editor: Precisely. It's fascinating to consider how this very object contributed to Redon's reception. Curator: Definitely something to reflect on.