Statue of Thomas Campbell c. 19th century

Editor: This is W. H. Mote's "Statue of Thomas Campbell," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a neoclassical style, and depicts a man with classical garb holding a book. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I'm drawn to the image's depiction of power and intellectualism. Notice how Campbell is elevated on a pedestal, literally placed above the viewer. What does it say about who we choose to immortalize in art, and whose stories are deemed worthy? Editor: That's a great point. It prompts us to question the narratives that statues perpetuate and who gets to shape historical memory. Curator: Precisely. The statue becomes a focal point for understanding social dynamics and power structures. Editor: I've never thought of it that way before. I'll definitely remember this. Curator: It's important to consider the social impact of these images.