Who never eats his bread with tears... c. 19th century

Curator: This is Hermann Gocht's "Who never eats his bread with tears..." from the Harvard Art Museums. It presents a poignant scene of human suffering. Editor: Yes, there's a somber mood—the stark contrast in the print amplifies the figures' distress within that humble setting. The lines look almost etched into the page. Curator: Absolutely, and the inscription above speaks to the experience of sorrow and hardship, perhaps reflecting societal struggles or personal grief in the artist’s context. The angel overlooking the scene is a figure of solace. Editor: The materials themselves, the paper and ink, carry the weight of that message. It reminds us that art-making is itself a form of labor, responding to and reflecting material conditions. Curator: Indeed. It speaks to a broader human experience. The artwork invites consideration of how pain, faith, and material existence intersect across various identities and historical moments. Editor: A powerful print, offering insight into the reciprocal relationship between artistic creation and the society it reflects.