The Virgin and Child c. 1901 - 1948

Curator: Edward Waldo Forbes, creator of "The Virgin and Child," presents us with a scene steeped in tradition, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing I notice is the heavy use of gold—it feels so opulent, almost overwhelming for such a small piece. Curator: The gold, of course, speaks to the divine nature of the figures, but it also reflects the cultural significance placed on the Virgin and Child as symbols of hope and intercession. Editor: I'm curious about the panel itself. The way light reflects, it looks like the artist might be using gilding, or perhaps even egg tempera. How does this choice of material influence the viewing of the piece? Curator: That's a keen observation. The use of such materials is entirely intentional, connecting it to a long history of icon-making, but also reinforcing the idea of something timeless, almost otherworldly. Editor: I agree. And the piece really makes you think about the cultural impact of images. Curator: Exactly. These images resonate across time and cultures.