Stalking Panther c. 1891 - 1913

Editor: This bronze sculpture, "Stalking Panther" by Alexander Phimister Proctor, circa 1891 to 1913, really captures the animal's pent-up energy. I am intrigued by the way the smooth bronze surface contrasts with the rougher base, and it makes me wonder how this sculpture came to be. What draws your eye to this piece? Curator: From a materialist perspective, consider the implications of bronze itself. This isn't just any material. The choice speaks volumes about Proctor's intentions, bronze carries an association of permanence and value derived from specific means of extraction and the highly specialised labor involved in its creation. Editor: That’s a great point! I hadn't thought about bronze as inherently tied to labor. Does the date inform the value of this sculpture, historically? Curator: Absolutely. This piece was created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of massive industrial growth but also significant social disparities. The consumption of luxury objects like this often masked exploitative labor practices. I’d be interested to research the specific foundry that Proctor employed – who were the workers, and what were their conditions? This would certainly inform a comprehensive understanding. Editor: So, looking at it again, the bronze's gleam is, in a way, a consequence of those specific social and economic realities. Knowing this forces us to acknowledge and confront the social context interwoven into even seemingly benign forms. Curator: Precisely. It is a matter of acknowledging the network of labor that underpins every piece of art, regardless of aesthetic intention. Editor: I have certainly learned a lot about viewing the art from that social context. Curator: And I about its ability to evoke emotion. Perhaps the truest interpretations lie in exploring this intersection.