Venus Pudica; Venus; Faun Playing a Flute c. 19th century

Curator: This print by Gaetano Bonatti at the Harvard Art Museums features three classical figures: Venus Pudica, Venus, and a faun playing a flute. Editor: The precision of the engraving makes these figures feel incredibly tactile, almost as if they're carved directly onto the page. Curator: Bonatti's print participates in a long history of reproducing classical sculpture, making these images available to a wider audience beyond those who could visit the original artworks. Editor: It's interesting to consider the labor involved in both the original sculptures and the printmaking process. The transfer of form from stone to paper requires a different kind of skill, but also conveys a sense of value. Curator: Absolutely, and the placement of these figures—the goddesses alongside the faun—speaks to shifting attitudes in the consumption and display of art. It normalizes classical ideals of beauty and pastoral leisure. Editor: I agree. The print serves as both documentation and active agent, shaping cultural ideals and influencing aesthetic appreciation. It really showcases the dynamic relationship between art and society.