Francis James Child (1825-1896) 1891

Editor: This striking relief portrait, "Francis James Child," by Leila Usher, commemorates the first Professor of English at Harvard. The laurel wreath feels very academic and honorific. What cultural meanings do you see embedded here? Curator: The laurel, of course, signifies enduring fame, a classical reference to intellectual and athletic triumph. But look closer. What does the choice of oak leaves, berries, and the acanthus at the top tell us about Professor Child's legacy? Editor: They suggest strength, wisdom, and perhaps even resilience. Does this speak to his character or perhaps his academic contributions? Curator: Precisely. Usher uses symbolic language to portray not just a likeness, but the essence of Child's contributions to Harvard's cultural memory. This reveals how the institution wished to remember him. Editor: That’s fascinating; I hadn't considered how thoroughly symbols communicate values and shape legacy.