Corner, Carver and Pleasant Streets 1893

Curator: This is "Corner, Carver and Pleasant Streets" by Henry Robertson, who lived from 1891 to 1974. It’s an etching. Editor: It evokes a feeling of transience, perhaps a quiet commentary on urban life. The composition leads my eye, but not necessarily anywhere of note. Curator: Note how the lines create depth, converging to a vanishing point that draws the eye into the scene. The starkness of the etching emphasizes the geometric forms of the buildings. Editor: But what were the realities of those who lived and worked on these streets? Robertson's work omits their stories. It reminds me of Jacob Riis's photography and the urgent need to document these communities. Curator: Perhaps, but the texture created by the etching technique provides a tactile quality, doesn’t it? It speaks to the physical environment itself. Editor: And what narratives are we ignoring by focusing solely on form? These aren't just buildings. They represent homes, businesses, lives shaped by social forces. Curator: I appreciate the elegance of the lines. Editor: And I appreciate remembering how we can challenge the canon.