The Muse Polyhymnia, after antiquity c. 19th century

Curator: This is an exquisite, miniature intaglio: The Muse Polyhymnia, after antiquity, attributed to the Pichler family. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a delicate, almost ethereal quality to it. The carving, though small, feels monumental. Curator: Absolutely. The Pichler family, renowned for their gem engraving, played a crucial role in shaping the neoclassical taste, particularly through commissions from wealthy elites on the Grand Tour. Editor: It's intriguing how such a tiny object could carry so much cultural weight, essentially acting as a status symbol. What material is this made of? Curator: The intaglio is crafted from what appears to be a soft stone, allowing for the exquisite detail. The image of Polyhymnia, muse of rhetoric, was laden with meaning for educated patrons. Editor: To me, it speaks of a fascination with the past, but also, in its material, of a kind of labor of love, a craftsman meticulously shaping a durable substance into something of great beauty, for a select audience. Curator: Indeed. The Pichler family's workshop influenced perceptions of antiquity for generations. Editor: It's a testament to the enduring power of artistic skill and its connection to the social fabric.