The Fat Whore 1899

Editor: This is Edvard Munch’s woodcut, "The Fat Whore," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark lines and almost grotesque depiction of the figure are quite unsettling. What can you tell me about the cultural context of this piece? Curator: The title itself reflects the societal biases of the time. How do you think the piece engages with then-current anxieties about sexuality and class? Consider Munch’s association with bohemian circles known for challenging bourgeois norms. The print challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable realities about social prejudices. Editor: So, it's less about literal representation and more about provoking a reaction to societal views? Curator: Exactly. Munch uses the figure to critique the judgmental gaze of society, forcing us to question our own prejudices. I wonder how today's audience receives this piece. Editor: It makes me think about how far we've come, and how much further we have to go, in challenging those biases. Curator: Indeed, art like this serves as a mirror, reflecting both our past and our present.