The Ferry c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have "The Ferry," an unsigned drawing in sanguine, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts figures and livestock crossing a river. What's your initial take? Editor: It’s dreamy, almost faded. The monochromatic rendering gives it a feeling of a distant memory, like a scene from a well-loved storybook. Curator: Absolutely, and that sanguine crayon allows us to consider the ready availability of materials for artists in this era. Its convenience facilitated sketching and wider distribution of imagery. Editor: I can almost smell the river and the earthy creatures. It’s a small drawing, but it feels vast and full of life, you know? A world in miniature. Curator: That's interesting, especially when you consider the labor involved in transporting not just people but also the tools of agricultural production, underscoring the essential role of these crossings. Editor: It makes me think about journeys, crossings, and how even mundane activities can become transformative. Curator: And for me, thinking about the material conditions brings up other questions, like, who commissioned this? What role did it play in their world? Editor: Well, for me, it’s more of a reminder to find the magic in the everyday. Even a simple ferry ride can be an adventure.