Marriage of Saint Catherine c. 19th century

Curator: This piece here is entitled “Marriage of Saint Catherine” by George Jakob Felsing, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels incredibly tender, doesn't it? The way the figures are clustered together, almost a single unit. Curator: Yes, the composition is quite intimate. This work would have been consumed within the academic system. Consider how the image normalizes specific gendered ideals for future women. Editor: Right, the soft lines and focus on familial love really drive that home. It’s interesting how the composition guides our gaze to the baby's hand. Curator: A very common feature in similar artworks from the time, designed to further emphasize the sanctity of motherhood and wifely submission to God. Editor: It's a compelling contrast of softness and what I can only assume is a future of religious servitude. Curator: Indeed, it speaks volumes about how art reinforces social norms. Editor: It's a powerful, if somewhat melancholic, depiction to reflect on.