Erasmus, Praise of Folly 1780

Curator: This is Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki's "Erasmus, Praise of Folly," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you first about this engraving? Editor: Its miniature scale creates an intimate viewing experience. The composition feels deliberately ordered, divided into distinct scenes. Curator: Chodowiecki, active in 18th-century Berlin, was deeply engaged with the Enlightenment. This print showcases his skill in etching, a medium that allowed for mass production and dissemination of ideas. Editor: The meticulous linework brings a remarkable clarity to each vignette. The figures, though small, are full of character. Curator: Chodowiecki's work was often commissioned for book illustrations, serving a growing literate public. The "Praise of Folly" exemplifies his commitment to making complex ideas accessible. Editor: The print’s composition and the subjects depicted tell a compelling story through visuals. Curator: Indeed, Chodowiecki masterfully used his craft to engage in the intellectual debates of his time. Editor: I appreciate seeing a clear connection between art and social purpose.