Pestilence c. 20th century

Editor: Eugene Higgins’ etching, “Pestilence,” depicts a cluster of figures huddled together. There's a palpable sense of despair and suffering here. What symbols do you see conveying this emotion? Curator: The huddled figures themselves, reminiscent of plague victims in historical depictions, immediately signal suffering. The dark etching work evokes a sense of claustrophobia and the unknown. It invites us to confront the universality of human vulnerability. Editor: So, it's not just about a specific event, but a broader reflection? Curator: Precisely. Higgins uses this imagery to tap into our collective memory of disease, loss, and the fear of contagion, reminding us of our shared human experience across time. What does it make you think about? Editor: It makes me think about the cyclical nature of history, and how we keep facing similar challenges. Thank you, I hadn't considered the weight of historical precedents influencing my interpretation. Curator: It's in understanding those echoes that we can truly appreciate the depth and resonance of a work like "Pestilence."