Donkey Race c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Donkey Race," created by Best et Cie, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's wonderfully chaotic! The movement is palpable, though the monochrome tones lend it a somewhat nostalgic air. Curator: The printmaking process itself interests me. Think of the skilled labor involved in reproducing this image and disseminating it widely. Who was accessing this imagery, and how? Editor: Absolutely, but consider the social commentary too. The elite's leisure activities are juxtaposed with the labor required to sustain them. The image normalizes class differences, yet also hints at the absurdity of privilege. Curator: Very interesting! It's amazing to think about the layers of human activity required to produce the image for the audience. Editor: Exactly! The layering of class and labor certainly offers a unique lens for understanding its time.