Commerce 1655 - 1703

Editor: This is "Commerce" by Gérard Audran, a print held at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure is striking, almost architectural, with that capital on her head. What can you tell me about how this image might have functioned within its historical context? Curator: This figure embodies the allegorical tradition, where abstract concepts take human form. Consider how the print medium itself democratized imagery. Where might this image have circulated, and what economic or social values did it reinforce? Editor: So, it's less about the individual artistry and more about the broader cultural implications of representing "Commerce" in this way? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the powers shaping our perceptions of value and trade. Editor: That’s fascinating! It changes how I see not just this print, but others as well. Curator: Indeed, it highlights the complex relationship between art and its socio-economic environment.