Prometheus and Partial Figure; verso: Profile Head of a Man c. 19th century

Curator: This is William Rimmer’s sketch, "Prometheus and Partial Figure," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Rimmer, who lived from 1816 to 1879, was deeply engaged with anatomical studies. Editor: It's raw and urgent, isn’t it? A figure caught mid-motion, with almost violent energy in the lines, reaching, perhaps struggling. I sense defiance in his stance. Curator: Indeed. The unfinished nature and dynamic composition might reflect Rimmer's understanding of Prometheus's plight—a titan punished for defying the gods. Prometheus, the ultimate rebel! Editor: Absolutely. We see the consequences of that rebellion, of taking action against power. The sketchy lines add a layer of vulnerability; his strength feels almost desperate. Curator: His interest in anatomical accuracy aligns with a broader 19th-century fascination, yet here, it also serves a narrative purpose, conveying the sheer physical exertion and the cost of rebellion. Editor: It’s a potent reminder of the struggles against oppressive systems and the personal toll that resistance exacts. A timeless struggle made visible. Curator: A fitting note to end on, highlighting the enduring power of art to provoke thought and dialogue across time. Editor: Precisely, and to remind us that defiance, like art, is an act of human ingenuity and resilience.