Two bear leaders c. 18th century

Curator: This delicate print, held by the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Two bear leaders," created by Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich. There's no precise date available, but Dietrich lived from 1712 to 1774. Editor: It has a strange, almost melancholy feel, doesn't it? The spindly figures seem trapped, somehow. The etching itself is so minimal. Curator: Bear leaders were a common spectacle, reflecting broader social hierarchies and the commodification of animals for entertainment. Dietrich likely intended a commentary on social structures. Editor: I'm struck by the visible labor implied in the making of the print itself - the controlled lines of the etching, the repeated action to create copies. It’s an industry, not just an image. Curator: Absolutely, and understanding the broader context allows us to see the piece as more than just a simple depiction. Editor: It makes me consider the exploited labor and the consumable nature of both the entertainment depicted and the artwork itself. Curator: A compelling insight, looking beyond the surface. Editor: Indeed, much more than just bears and leaders.