Lowenplatzchen c. 20th century

Curator: This etching is by Herman Armour Webster, titled "Lowenplatzchen". It captures a European town square scene. Editor: It’s quite stark, almost austere. The artist’s mark-making has a gritty, almost industrial feel even though the subject is clearly pre-industrial. Curator: Yes, Webster focuses on urban scenes, often depicting them in ways that highlight the social impact of architecture and planning. This square may represent community gathering and the power structures inherent in public spaces. Editor: You can also read it through the artist's process; the etching technique itself allowed for reproducible images and thus, broader circulation. It makes you wonder who consumed these images and what stories about place they carried. Curator: It underscores the role of art in shaping perceptions of place, reinforcing or challenging established narratives about European culture and history. Editor: Absolutely. It is the circulation of reproducible art that speaks about culture that is often seen as rarefied. Curator: Food for thought, definitely. Editor: Indeed.