Evening (The Setting of the Sun) c. 19th century

Editor: This is Alphonse Legros' "Evening (The Setting of the Sun)," a print with no specific date, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like a quiet, intimate scene. What stands out to you? Curator: The landscape print gained popularity amidst broader social changes. As cities industrialized, there was a burgeoning market for images of rural life, often idealized. Editor: So, this print romanticizes the countryside? Curator: It participated in that trend, but Legros also used printmaking to democratize art, making it accessible beyond elite circles. Consider how the print, unlike a painting, can be reproduced and widely distributed. Editor: That’s interesting; it's both a reflection of and a commentary on society. Curator: Precisely. It's a fascinating example of how art responds to and shapes cultural values.