Old Fisherman after 1897

Editor: This is Edvard Munch's "Old Fisherman", a stark black and white woodcut at the Harvard Art Museums. The rough lines give him a weathered, almost tormented look. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm drawn to how Munch uses such a traditional subject to explore themes of aging and masculinity within the confines of societal expectations. Does his gaze suggest resignation, or resistance? Editor: Maybe both? It's like he's seen too much. Curator: Exactly. Munch is highlighting the psychological toll of a life lived within a system that often marginalizes those who exist outside of conventional power structures. Editor: So, it’s not just a portrait, it’s a statement? Curator: Precisely. He's prompting us to consider the experiences of those whose stories are often overlooked. Editor: I'll never look at a portrait the same way again.