Horses c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have "Horses" by Robert Hills, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Well, my first thought is that I find their rumps rather…imposing. The composition leads the eye straight there. Curator: Indeed. Hills, active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, often focused on rural scenes, and this piece exemplifies his interest in animal studies. The means of production—the etching process itself—allows for a fascinating level of detail. Editor: Yes, the line work is quite expressive, capturing the musculature and texture. Semiotically, the clustered horses might represent the agricultural labor force of the time. Curator: Precisely! And considering the social context, these animals were not merely aesthetic subjects; they were vital to the economy. Editor: Seeing it this way really deepens my understanding. It's not just a study of form; it’s a reflection of material realities. Curator: Exactly, a study of labor and our relationship with the animal world, really. Editor: Well, I certainly won't look at another horse's rear the same way again.