Letters c. 18th century

Editor: We're looking at "Letters" by Pietro Antonio Pazzi, at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a lovely engraving, and there's something whimsical about the satyr playing his pipes. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, whimsical indeed! Pazzi captures a sense of Arcadian delight, doesn’t he? That satyr, framed by the letter, feels both playful and a bit melancholic. It makes me wonder about the lost worlds we humans always dream up. The goat adds a nice touch of earthly charm. Editor: Lost worlds, I like that! Curator: It’s like a portal to some secret glade. Makes you want to pick up a flute, or maybe just find a comfy spot under a tree. Don't you think? Editor: Absolutely. It's amazing how much story Pazzi packs into such a small print.