The Creation III c. 1875 - 1877

Curator: Here we have Frederick Hollyer’s "The Creation III," a photogravure print currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite striking, isn't it? Editor: It feels heavy, like it's made of lead. The color and the figures give the impression that it's made of earth, and the creation of earth. Curator: The composition is remarkable. The three figures holding what looks to be the world, their solemn gazes demanding attention. Editor: Yes, and look at the way the artist used the photogravure process to render the drapery. It appears to be made of coarse woven material with the natural textures visible, almost like an emphasis on the labor-intensive aspect of the printing process. Curator: Indeed. And consider the symbolic weight: the women as creators, the sphere containing the nascent world. There is an emphasis on the feminine divine here. Editor: Exactly. It makes one consider the social context in which Hollyer was making this work. What materials were available to him and what socioeconomic forces were at play at the time it was being created? Curator: A compelling piece. Its visual language and material presence invite us to reflect on creation, both artistic and cosmic. Editor: It underscores the value of both the visible image, and the labor that went into producing it. Thank you.