Copper Your Honour? c. 19th century

Editor: This is “Copper Your Honour?” by George Baxter. He created this work sometime between 1804 and 1867, and it resides in the Harvard Art Museums. I find the boy’s hopeful expression quite striking. What do you make of it? Curator: The direct gaze and outstretched hand evoke a complex set of symbols. The broom and ragged clothing are straightforward indicators of the boy’s poverty, but what cultural memories does it stir in you? Editor: I suppose it evokes feelings of both vulnerability and resilience. Curator: Precisely. Consider the archetype of the "street urchin" in Victorian society. It's not merely a depiction of poverty, but a representation of societal neglect and the human spirit's fight for survival. Editor: That gives me a new way to look at this artwork. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: My pleasure. It’s through these symbols that we understand our shared human story.