David Teniers Having His Wife's Fortune Told 1750

Curator: This is Louis Surugue’s "David Teniers Having His Wife's Fortune Told," a print held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I notice the stark contrast between the central figures and the background—almost as if they're on a stage. Curator: Surugue, active in the early 18th century, was known for his reproductive engravings. This piece captures a scene of bourgeois life, hinting at the rising social status of artists. Editor: Indeed, the composition is quite deliberate, with a clear division between the 'haves' and 'have-nots'. The fortune teller, positioned between the two groups, acts as a visual mediator. Curator: The act of fortune telling itself was a common theme, often used to explore anxieties around social mobility and the future within a rapidly changing society. Editor: Note the etching lines; they define form and texture yet create an overall flatness. This affects depth and invites contemplation on surface versus substance. Curator: Considering Surugue’s role as a reproductive engraver, this piece might also reflect the contemporary fascination with celebrity and the public image of artists like Teniers. Editor: Ultimately, it's a fascinating study in contrasts—social, economic, and even artistic. Curator: I agree; Surugue's work provides insight into the social fabric of his time.