Procession of Cavalry c. 19th century

Editor: This is Rodolphe Bresdin's "Procession of Cavalry," and it's housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark lines create an interesting sense of movement. What narratives do you see within this piece? Curator: Bresdin's work often reflects the tumultuous 19th-century French society. The procession, though seemingly organized, can be viewed through the lens of power and control. How does this image speak to the relationship between the governed and the governing? Editor: That's a powerful perspective; I hadn't considered it that way. Curator: Think about the deliberate lack of detail on the riders' faces. Does that suggest a dehumanization, a tool of oppression? Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it as a commentary on power dynamics adds so much depth. Thank you.