Poesia c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Poesia" by George Jakob Felsing, held at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure has such a serene presence, and the monochromatic rendering feels so delicate. What strikes you when you view this piece? Curator: Let's think about how Felsing made this. The printmaking process involves tools, labor, and a deliberate manipulation of materials. It's not just about divine inspiration; it's about the means of production. What does the mass production of images like this do for poetry? Editor: That's an interesting point. How does this influence our understanding of artistic labor? Curator: It challenges the romantic notion of the solitary genius. Art becomes a product, subject to social and economic forces, and the consumer of the image is now part of this poem. Editor: Fascinating! I never considered that perspective before. Curator: Seeing art through the lens of its material origins can really change how we value it.