Heads of Sheep c. 18th century

Curator: Samuel Howitt, born in 1756, created this print titled "Heads of Sheep." It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Initially, I see a rural, almost pastoral scene. The variations of sheep faces are striking and the curling horns grab your eye. Curator: Howitt was known for his animal studies. In 18th-century England, livestock was a symbol of agricultural prosperity and national identity. Prints like this circulated widely, shaping ideas about rural life. Editor: The ram's head, with its spiraled horns, might signify virility and power. Sheep often symbolize innocence or purity, but these rams have a very different feel. Curator: True. The print served as a form of visual catalog, but also as a reminder of the cultural and economic importance of sheep farming. Editor: It really makes you consider how livestock are viewed through different historical and cultural lenses. Curator: Absolutely, and this piece offers a glimpse into those perspectives. Editor: It’s been very thought-provoking.