We'll Civilize These Fellows 1837

Curator: Auguste Raffet's print, "We'll Civilize These Fellows," presents a scene heavy with implied narrative. Editor: It's stark. The rigid lines and the sharp contrasts create an unsettling atmosphere, almost oppressive. Curator: Note how the composition directs our gaze. Two French soldiers dominate the foreground, their posture suggesting authority and direction. Editor: And the indigenous figures are burdened, their faces obscured, dwarfed by the weight they carry. It’s a visual metaphor, isn't it, for the imposition of colonial power? Curator: The artist's use of line emphasizes the soldiers' crisp uniforms against the more fluid rendering of the porters, a deliberate contrast. Editor: The lithograph functions as a commentary on French colonialism, illustrating its dehumanizing aspects. A political print meant to provoke thought. Curator: Indeed. Raffet’s use of contrasting textures and calculated positioning heightens the tension. Editor: It's a potent reminder of art's capacity to both reflect and critique historical events.