A Sow and Her Four Piglets c. 19th century

Curator: This is Joseph Fussell’s etching, "A Sow and Her Four Piglets," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as quite idyllic, really. A tranquil pastoral scene rendered with delicate strokes. Curator: The sow and her piglets carry symbolic weight. Pigs, often linked to fertility and abundance, also connect to rural life and its grounding rhythms. Editor: Indeed. Fussell's mark-making captures textures beautifully. The hay, the bristly hair of the sow... it's all so carefully observed. Curator: These domestic scenes often served as moral allegories, reminding viewers of familial harmony and the natural order. The pig is a symbol of sustenance and familial devotion. Editor: It's interesting how the composition directs our eye. The sow acts as a visual anchor, while the piglets scatter across the space, creating movement. Curator: Yes, and the seemingly simple scene holds a certain universality—the nurturing mother, the dependent offspring. Editor: The artist’s attention to tonal contrast enhances the sense of depth and form. It really gives shape to the sow’s bulk. Curator: Seeing the work in person allows for a deeper connection to the artist's craft and the enduring themes it explores. Editor: Ultimately, it’s a beautiful example of how formal elements can evoke powerful cultural associations.