"An aqueduct !" he cried . . . c. 18th century

Curator: This is Jean-Louis Delignon's print, "An aqueduct ! he cried . . .," part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a strangely pastoral scene, yet something about the etching’s stark contrasts gives it an unsettling feel. Curator: The linear precision and the use of light and shadow articulate a carefully constructed, almost theatrical space. Notice how the figures are arranged. Editor: Indeed. The trio seems to almost perform for the adult figure pointing in the center. I wonder about the social context. Curator: Perhaps this image reflects an evolving perception of childhood during that era, or even societal roles. Editor: Its historical context provides a lens to interpret this interplay of human emotions and relations. Curator: A compelling illustration of how an artwork's intrinsic aesthetic qualities enable it to serve as a mirror. Editor: And through the lens of history, this image reveals a complex relationship between individual expression and social norms.