Pax Artium Nutrix 1787

Curator: This is Francesco Bartolozzi's "Pax Artium Nutrix," from around the late 18th century, held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's an etching on paper. I'm drawn to the figure of Peace surrounded by cherubs. Editor: It feels incredibly serene. The composition is quite balanced, almost classical in its arrangement, despite the soft etching technique. Curator: Absolutely. The central female figure, Pax, embodies peace, but she also represents patronage. The cherubs with their book symbolize the arts flourishing under her protection. That severed lion’s head, though—quite striking. Editor: The lion could represent the subjugation of war, allowing the arts to thrive. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the allegorical mood. It feels like a symbolic order is emerging from chaos. Curator: And the inclusion of the laurel-wreathed bust ties into the classical theme, suggesting historical continuity and the timeless importance of peace for cultural achievement. The etching is a testament to the enduring human aspiration for a world where art can flourish. Editor: Looking closely, it's clear that the artist created something visually harmonious, and the effect of all the iconographic symbols and balanced composition has been a calming experience.