Bust of an Old Man with a Turban c. 18th century

Curator: Look at this etching, "Bust of an Old Man with a Turban," made by Georg Friedrich Schmidt. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: He looks weary, yet dignified; the cross-hatching gives his face such depth. Curator: The textures Schmidt achieves, especially in the turban and beard, demonstrate his mastery of the etching process. The lines mimic the feel of fabric and hair so accurately. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how dress codes and signifiers of identity were deployed in 18th-century Europe. Who was deemed worthy of representation and why? Curator: Absolutely, and Schmidt, born in 1712, likely aimed to elevate the sitter, perhaps even associating him with wisdom through that exotic turban. Editor: We see how material markers, like clothing, are employed to construct societal roles. Curator: Indeed; it really makes you appreciate the artist's skill in using simple lines to create such a complex portrait. Editor: A complex portrait that makes one consider the social dynamics of the time.