It was at one of these moment of tenderness that I said to M. de Luxembourg . . . c. 18th century

Curator: This is an engraving by Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel, titled "It was at one of these moment of tenderness that I said to M. de Luxembourg . . .," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me immediately as a rather tender, intimate scene. The landscape in the background feels secondary to the embrace itself. Curator: Indeed. The embrace is central, echoing themes of affection and perhaps political alliance in the late 18th century. Homosocial bonds held significant weight. Editor: Note how the artist employs symbolism. The pastoral setting suggests an idealized escape from courtly intrigue, yet the table with writing implements hints at ongoing business. Curator: Precisely. The inscription below further points to the highly curated performance of emotion that was often documented and disseminated during this period. Editor: It's remarkable how a simple image can reveal so much about the social scripts and emotional codes of its time. Curator: An image like this prompts us to consider how these public displays of affection shaped the political landscape.