Lucretia 18th-19th century

Curator: This is William Sharp's "Lucretia," a work held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. She appears distraught. Editor: Absolutely, there's such theatricality in her pose, and the contrast of light and shadow really amplifies the emotional intensity. I am curious, though, about the material and process here. Can you elaborate? Curator: Certainly. Sharp’s printmaking process, particularly his use of engraving, allowed for detailed tonal variations. But consider Lucretia herself: her story, a narrative of violated virtue and forced suicide, has resonated across centuries, often becoming a vehicle for exploring themes of female agency and patriarchal power. Editor: And is her agency really hers if it ends in suicide? The labor involved in creating the plate contrasts sharply with the rapid, self-inflicted violence depicted. We must address that contradiction. Curator: Indeed, it’s a complex legacy. Viewing her story through a contemporary lens forces us to confront the limited choices afforded to women within these power structures. Editor: The convergence of material process and social narrative offers a powerful, albeit unsettling, reflection. Curator: Agreed, it leaves us with much to consider.