Billitis c. 20th century

Curator: The artwork before us is titled "Billitis," by Robert John Gibbings, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the woman's pose, almost like she's emerging or maybe even surrendering to the prickly landscape around her. Curator: Indeed. Billitis, a fictional contemporary of Sappho, is often portrayed in a state of languid sensuality intertwined with nature, a potent symbol of feminine mystique. Editor: And it feels a bit dangerous. Those thorns! It's a far cry from the idealized, romanticized nudes we often see. Curator: Perhaps Gibbings is hinting at the sharp edges of desire, the thorns that protect and wound simultaneously. It taps into archetypal themes of womanhood. Editor: Right, it's not just beauty; it’s beauty with teeth. Makes you wonder about the stories hidden beneath the surface. Curator: It’s a reminder that symbols evolve, reflecting changing cultural attitudes, so our interpretations shift through time. Editor: Definitely gives me something to ponder, even long after I leave the museum. Thanks for that, Robert.