Girl with Ruffle at Neck c. 19th century

Curator: This is Edward Martin Taber's "Girl with Ruffle at Neck," a delicate drawing housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's the light, almost ephemeral quality of the pencil work that first strikes me. The visible crafting of the soft lines gives this portrait an intimacy. Curator: The lack of firm lines softens the sitter's features, allowing us to reflect on the role of women and portraiture during the artist's time. What does it tell us about gender and societal norms? Editor: Agreed. It's a challenge to decipher its meaning without knowing more about its making. Who was this girl and what material were the ruffles made of? Curator: We can interpret her modest presentation against the backdrop of an era that often hypersexualized female subjects. This portrait pushes against established conventions. Editor: It certainly prompts questions about labor and production processes, particularly in the making of her clothes. Curator: Ultimately, it invites us to contemplate the untold narratives of individuals often overlooked in art history. Editor: Yes, and also to consider the inherent value of simple materials and honest techniques.