Invitation Head c. 20th century

Curator: Herman Armour Webster created this etching, "Invitation Head," a blend of cityscape and personal correspondence, dated November 16th, 1909, from Paris. Editor: The sepia tones and delicate lines evoke a sense of nostalgia, a longing for a bygone era. It feels very intimate. Curator: Notice how the architectural forms – the domes and rooftops – seem to watch over the handwritten message. It's as though the city itself is witness to this personal exchange. Editor: Absolutely. The letter is addressed to Mr. Sachs; it speaks of prints being sent as gifts. This act of artistic patronage highlights class structures, making visible who has the power to support artists. Curator: Yes, but beyond that, don’t you see it as an offering of sorts? An invitation into Webster's artistic world, symbolized by the Parisian skyline? Editor: Perhaps. I see it more as a document of artistic labor, the city a stage where such transactions play out. Curator: I find it amazing how the city serves as both backdrop and context for artistic exchange. Editor: For me, the image is a poignant reminder of the systems, both visible and invisible, that allow art to be made and shared.