Mercy Buliod, Newport, Rhode Island, 1771 1963

Editor: This is "Mercy Buliod, Newport, Rhode Island," created in 1771 by Ann Parker. It's currently located at the Harvard Art Museums. The image almost looks like a stamp; I see a woman and child framed within a decorative arch. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It is evocative, isn't it? It's like glimpsing a fragment of someone's story, almost like stumbling upon a faded memory. The stark contrast and the linear quality make me think about the transmission of stories and the strength of those bonds, don't you think? What stands out to you? Editor: The directness of the gaze of the figures. Curator: Exactly! Perhaps this was a way for Ann Parker to reflect on her world and the importance of kinship. Editor: This really highlights how art can offer a window into personal and cultural values. Curator: Absolutely! And how we see ourselves reflected in the stories of others.