Fall c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Charles-Joseph Natoire's "Fall," an undated etching residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's brimming with cherubic figures, a goat, and symbols of abundance. It feels so celebratory, almost like a scene from a festival. What do you see in this piece beyond the surface-level revelry? Curator: It's interesting how Natoire uses classical imagery, but in a distinctly Rococo way. Consider the pastoral ideal: traditionally, it was about connecting with nature and simpler virtues. Here, it seems more about aristocratic leisure and playful eroticism. How might its original display context – perhaps a wealthy collector's cabinet – shape its meaning? Editor: So, it’s not just a simple celebration of autumn? Curator: Not quite. It's filtered through a lens of class and privilege. Think about who had access to such imagery and what values it reinforced. The abundance isn't for everyone, is it? Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about how art reflects the values of those who commission and consume it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even seemingly innocent imagery can be deeply embedded in social and political structures.