Tours c. 19th century

Curator: Robert Brandard, who lived from 1805 to 1862, created this piece, entitled "Tours". Editor: It feels heavy, somber even. The sky presses down, and the light seems to struggle against the dark mass in the boat. Curator: Notice how the bridge on the left frames the figures in the boat, connecting them to the city’s historical narrative. The architectural forms in the distance are icons of civilization. Editor: And the way the water reflects – or perhaps distorts – these icons. Brandard’s technique, the fineness of the etching, it all contributes to a sense of… careful labor. I wonder who these laborers are, moving goods along the river. Curator: Perhaps they are more than mere laborers. The boat itself could be seen as a symbol of transition, of passage, carrying not only goods, but also ideas and beliefs to a new place, a new future. Editor: It’s interesting how such a small, seemingly simple print can evoke such different readings. I keep coming back to the labor implied here, though. Curator: Indeed, the print leaves us with much to consider, both about its making and its layered meanings. Editor: A moment captured, its story ready to be rediscovered, one impression at a time.