Seated Young Man with Metal Platter 19th-20th century

Editor: This is "Seated Young Man with Metal Platter" by Denman Waldo Ross at the Harvard Art Museums. I find the muted color palette quite striking, and the figure seems very contemplative. What can you tell me about the symbolism embedded in this painting? Curator: Observe the way the young man gazes downward, interacting with the platter. Do you think the act of cleaning or polishing, a ritual of purification, is a symbol of inner reflection and transformation? The metal itself, often associated with alchemy, could represent a desire to refine something, either material or spiritual. Editor: So, the platter isn’t just an object, but perhaps a metaphor? Curator: Precisely. Artists often imbue everyday objects with deeper meaning, inviting viewers to contemplate the invisible forces that shape our lives. What do you make of that? Editor: I hadn't considered the possibility of the ritual as symbolic. Thanks for opening my eyes! Curator: It's through symbols that art truly speaks to us.