Charcoal Gray 1927

Curator: Here we have "Charcoal Gray," a manufactured pigment from F. Weber & Company, part of the Harvard Art Museums' collection. Its date is unknown. Editor: The subdued palette here is striking. The chromatic scale contrasts with the bottle’s subdued hue. Curator: Exactly! This object reveals a fascinating interplay between industry and artistry. Weber was a key supplier to artists in the 19th and 20th centuries, shaping their material options. Editor: The texture of the glass, the way the light catches its surface… it’s all very tactile. It is tempting to perceive a study of gray tonalities. Curator: It speaks volumes about the commodification of art supplies and the changing role of the artist in the modern era. Editor: Looking closely, the simplicity of the form draws me into the details of the pigment's density within the glass. Curator: It offers a glimpse into the material culture that underpinned artistic production. Editor: Agreed. It really makes you consider the significance of even the most basic materials in the act of creation.