The Sons of David flee from Absalom (II Samuel 13:24-30) 1923

Editor: This is Lovis Corinth's "The Sons of David flee from Absalom," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small print, and the chaotic charcoal marks give it a real sense of urgency and panic. What are your thoughts on this piece? Curator: Given the context, I immediately consider the materials used. The rough charcoal and the printmaking process point towards the commodification of grief. How does the accessibility of prints, compared to unique paintings, influence the distribution and consumption of this tragic narrative? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't thought about how the medium itself could amplify the story's impact. Curator: Exactly. The mass production allows a wider audience to engage with this biblical story, which in turn might reflect social anxieties of the time. This material reality shapes our understanding, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. Considering the charcoal medium used, and its accessibility to the public, allows for a new dimension of interpretation.