Towing Horses c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Amédée Besnus's "Towing Horses," an etching, located in the Harvard Art Museums. It has a quiet, almost melancholic feel to it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It evokes the historical reliance on animals for labor, doesn’t it? These horses represent a subjugated workforce, their strength appropriated for human progress. The presence of a sign above them reinforces the commodification and ownership inherent in such a system. Editor: That's a stark way to put it. I was just thinking about the rural scene. Curator: But consider who benefits from this idyllic image and who bears the burden? The artist's choice of etching, a process demanding meticulous labor, mirrors the horses' toil. Is there a critique embedded in the very technique? Editor: I hadn't thought about the medium itself carrying that kind of weight. It gives the scene a whole new context. Curator: Art can expose societal structures. By questioning the romanticized view, we can engage with the realities of labor exploitation and the animals’ plight. Editor: I’ll never see a rural scene the same way again. Thanks for opening my eyes!