Ecce Homo 1925

Curator: Lovis Corinth's "Ecce Homo," held here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a potent image rendered on a plate measuring roughly 34.5 by 29.5 centimeters. Editor: It's raw, almost violently so. The etched lines feel incredibly immediate, like a fresh wound. You can almost feel the resistance of the plate. Curator: The social weight of the scene is undeniable. "Ecce Homo"—"Behold the Man"—depicts Christ presented to the masses. Corinth, painting decades later, certainly felt the socio-political currents in post WWI Germany. Editor: And the material fragility amplifies the emotional impact. The rough process and stark contrast create a deeply disturbing viewing experience. Curator: How the art world receives such a work is telling. The subject is certainly not new, but Corinth's treatment reflects anxieties of his era, adding layers to its art historical significance. Editor: Ultimately, the raw material and expressive labor of etching magnify this timeless image of human suffering. Curator: Yes, it's a potent reminder of art's capacity to reflect and challenge our understanding of history and ourselves.