S. Séverin c. 19th century

Curator: This is "S. Séverin," an etching by Alfred Taiée, housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a rather claustrophobic feel, wouldn't you say? The buildings loom so tall, pressing in on that narrow street. Curator: Indeed. The print captures a medieval streetscape, likely aiming to evoke the past's weight on contemporary society through its architecture. Editor: The stark contrasts and the density of the lines add to that feeling, don't they? The cobblestones almost vibrate with texture. Curator: Certainly. The artist may have been commenting on urban life and its constraints, common in the late 19th-century art milieu. Editor: It's a somber piece, technically skillful though. Makes me think of how the past shadows our present. Curator: A potent reminder of how built environments shape our experience. Editor: Yes, I think it’s a fine example of creating space through the management of tone.