Tail-piece 18th-19th century

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this print called "Tail-piece" by an anonymous artist; its dimensions are approximately 9 by 12 centimeters. Editor: The stark contrast between the black lines and the paper creates a powerful visual statement despite its small size. There is a feeling of imperial power here. Curator: Indeed, the composition is dominated by a double-headed eagle beneath a crown, heraldic symbols often associated with empires. The intricate linework, dense hatching, and curvilinear forms create a rich visual texture. Editor: This emblem evokes the history of empires and their complex legacy of power. The fruit motif also strikes me, alluding perhaps to the spoils or the bounty of empire—the historical extraction from colonized lands. Curator: It's a fascinating tension; the elegant ornamentation almost softens the overt symbolism of imperial might. It would be worth examining the historical period to discern its precise cultural context. Editor: Precisely. Considering the work's use and circulation opens opportunities to understand its social role and the message it may have conveyed regarding authority and control.