Quercitron Lake 

Curator: Here we have "Quercitron Lake" manufactured by F. Weber & Company, Inc. It appears to be a sample of raw pigment, still in its original container. Editor: My first impression is one of faded glory, somehow. The earnest little stars on the label, the handwritten script—it speaks to a different era of material production. Curator: Indeed. The composition is striking, isn't it? The color chart juxtaposed with the container of pigment presents a rather self-aware commentary on color itself. Editor: I'm intrigued by what it reveals about labor, too. Who extracted the quercitron bark, who processed it, and how did that labor intersect with the predominantly white-male art world? Curator: The very materiality invites this sort of discourse, doesn’t it? Its unassuming presentation belies its significance as a foundational component of artistic expression. Editor: Absolutely, and the fact that it still exists, packaged and preserved, offers us a tangible connection to the history of art production. Curator: Thinking about the legacy and the raw materials of creating, is fascinating. Editor: I agree completely. Hopefully, this reflection encourages us to explore more about the socio-economic background of art.