Standing and Equestrian Men 19th-20th century

Curator: This watercolor, "Standing and Equestrian Men" by Joseph Smith, features a procession of figures set against an Italianate landscape. It’s currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels deliberately naive, almost cartoonish, which is interesting considering the formal subject matter. Curator: Indeed. The materiality of the thin paint layers and the somewhat hurried application suggest a focus on capturing the essence of a scene rather than precise detail. Perhaps the artist aimed to democratize the creation of ‘grand’ history painting. Editor: I see your point. The figures, though seemingly classical, are rendered with an almost childlike simplicity, stripping away any sense of heroic grandeur. This could be a commentary on power, or perhaps a reflection of the artist's own marginalized position. Curator: The visible brushstrokes and thin washes of color indicate a relatively quick and straightforward process. The lack of blending or meticulous detail directs our attention to the act of creation itself. Editor: I find it quite compelling. It reminds us that even depictions of power are constructed, mediated through the artist's hand, and ultimately, open to interpretation. Curator: A fitting observation, offering a new lens through which to consider history painting. Editor: Precisely, a reminder that history is not just about great men on horseback, but the stories we tell about them.