The Overcoat 1918

Curator: Walter Gramatté’s book, “The Overcoat,” dated 1918, is a set of 12 etchings inspired by Gogol's story. The cover alone evokes a sense of quiet desperation. Editor: The texture of the paper draws me in. You can almost feel the grain of the material, the weight of the book in your hands. Curator: The choice of Gogol is important; it speaks to the themes of alienation and social injustice pervasive at the time. Gramatté channels the anxieties of a rapidly changing society. Editor: Absolutely. It's a testament to the power of printmaking. The etchings allowed for the wide distribution of Gramatté’s message, creating a dialogue with the masses. Curator: Looking at the cover again, the understated design speaks volumes about the story’s protagonist, a man rendered invisible by the indifference of society. Editor: Seeing it this way highlights how material choices can amplify an artist’s intention. Curator: Indeed, it makes one think about the social narratives embedded in art. Editor: A thoughtful reminder of the power of the book as object and idea.