Adonis 1824

Curator: This is James Ward's "Adonis," a design measuring about 33 by 44 centimeters, now residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial impression is one of raw power, a kind of untamed energy caught in monochrome. Curator: Indeed. Ward was known for his animal paintings, and here, the horse becomes a symbol of virility, perhaps even a stand-in for idealized male beauty, given the title. Editor: That connects with the windswept mane, reminiscent of classical sculptures. It certainly evokes a sense of romantic heroism and recalls equestrian portraiture across centuries. But I'm also drawn to the lithographic process itself; how did Ward manage to capture such nuanced textures? Curator: His expertise in printmaking allowed him to translate his detailed observations into a reproducible format, making art accessible. Editor: I see the way the land blends in with the sky behind this horse makes the horse seem like it is taking flight, ready to soar. Well, I suppose I will carry that image with me as I move onto the next artwork.