The Poor Cousin 1919

Curator: Here we have Ernst Barlach's, "The Poor Cousin" from the collection of Harvard Art Museums, of modest dimensions. Editor: It reminds me of a worn textile, almost like a faded quilt, evokes a sense of domesticity, perhaps a poignant story woven into its texture. Curator: The work is a great example of how Barlach manipulated materials to create textured surfaces, challenging traditional painting through its unique construction and patterns. Editor: It's intriguing how the pattern is replicated, almost like a repeated sigh. A sense of yearning perhaps? Curator: Understanding the social context is vital. Barlach engaged with questions of class and labor, mirroring economic disparities through the humble materiality. Editor: It also feels incredibly intimate, like a hidden diary cover, whispering secrets of survival. Curator: Indeed, Barlach invites us to reflect on production, inviting us to engage and to question the means of creation. Editor: Yes, it does linger in the mind. The texture is a tactile invitation, isn't it?