Chinese Vermilion 1927

Curator: This intriguing piece from the Harvard Art Museums presents us with "Chinese Vermilion," manufactured by F. Weber & Company around 1927. Editor: My immediate impression is one of intense color. It’s vibrant, earthy, and the texture, even in the photograph, looks rich. Curator: Indeed. The history of vermilion is fascinating, linking trade, alchemy, and artistic expression. Consider its socio-political implications in early 20th century art production. Editor: And the material itself, mercuric sulfide. This wasn't just color; it was a manufactured product, the result of industrial processes, connecting us to the labor behind art. Curator: Precisely. Weber's production methods made this pigment accessible, impacting artists' palettes and, consequently, visual culture. Editor: It's a reminder that art's beauty is inseparable from its means of production. Something to keep in mind when analyzing its impact.