Toucans c. 20th century

Curator: This is "Toucans," a print by Robert John Gibbings, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Those beaks! They're like exaggerated smiles. It's got a playful, almost mischievous vibe. Curator: Toucans often symbolize adaptability and communication, their vibrant colors and boisterous calls representing a joyful connection to their environment. Editor: Absolutely! And the stark black and white—it distills the essence of "toucan-ness" into something graphic and bold. Curator: Gibbings was a master of wood engraving, using the contrast to draw the eye and emphasize form. It's about reduction, about essential qualities. Editor: Exactly! It makes you consider what makes a toucan a toucan. Big beak, playful energy—got it! It's a cheerful reminder that even in simplicity, you can find so much expression.