Detail: Devata, after stone relief at Angkor Wat 19th-20th century

Curator: What a captivating and mysterious portrait. It feels like gazing into a forgotten dream. Editor: This is Joseph Smith’s painting, "Detail: Devata, after stone relief at Angkor Wat" from the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a Devata, a celestial spirit, rendered after a stone relief found at Angkor Wat, a vast temple complex in Cambodia. Curator: Ah, that explains the ethereal quality. It's almost as if she's emerging from the stone itself. Do you see that slight smile? It hints at some ancient secret. Editor: The Devatas at Angkor Wat represent feminine energy, protectors of the temples. Smith's choice to paint her, placing her within a Western art context, prompts consideration of cultural appropriation and the gaze. Curator: I see your point. But, to me, it feels less like appropriation and more like a tender homage. A way to bring that sacred beauty into our world. Editor: But is it really "ours" to bring? This piece, in its seeming innocence, raises complex questions about power, representation, and the consumption of other cultures. Curator: I appreciate your perspective, and I guess that's the beauty of art. We each see our own reflection in its depths. Editor: Precisely. It’s a mirror reflecting not only the Devata but also our own biases and privileges. A powerful piece indeed.