Edward Charles Pickering (1846-1919) 1888

Editor: Here we have Anne Whitney's bust of Edward Charles Pickering. It's marble, very classical in style. What strikes me is the precision of the carving. What can you tell me about the artist's process? Curator: The artist's choice of marble speaks volumes. It's a material deeply tied to notions of permanence and status. How does the selection of this material shape our perception of Pickering and his achievements? Editor: So the material itself elevates Pickering, it's not just the form? Curator: Precisely. Think about the labor involved in quarrying, transporting, and then sculpting this stone. It signifies a significant investment of resources, effectively monumentalizing Pickering's contributions, whatever they might be. Editor: I see! It's like the marble itself is part of the message. Curator: Exactly. Considering the socio-economic context of artistic production adds layers of meaning.