Jason c. 19th century

Editor: This is Charles Turner's "Jason," an intaglio print at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very theatrical to me, like a stage set. What’s your take on this depiction of a classical hero? Curator: It's interesting to consider how Turner situates Jason within a landscape laden with symbolic weight. Notice the serpent and fallen trees. How might we understand these elements within the context of colonial power dynamics and the romanticization of the "untamed" wilderness? Editor: So, it's not just about a hero's journey, but also about the narrative of domination over nature? Curator: Precisely. The image invites us to question whose story is being told, and at what cost. Examining art through this lens provides a richer, more critical understanding. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks! Curator: It's all about engaging with the artwork and questioning the dominant narrative.