Thalia c. 19th century

Curator: This is Jean-Baptiste-Raphael-Urbain Massard's "Thalia," found here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The engraving's delicate lines give the figure a subtle, almost ethereal quality. Curator: Massard lived during a time of great political upheaval, and representations of muses were ways of talking about the role of the arts in civic life. Editor: Precisely. Note how the figure's contrapposto and the intricate drapery exemplify the Neoclassical aesthetic, echoing the ideals of reason and order. Curator: The theater mask adds to her iconography, of course. The arts played an important role in this period, as powerful tools for shaping public opinion. Editor: Yes, and Massard's skillful use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth. The shadows emphasize the three-dimensionality of the sculptural figure and ground her firmly. Curator: It is important to consider these works as social documents, not just artistic expressions. Editor: Indeed. The convergence of form and socio-political context illuminates much.