Allegory of the Greedy Regiment early 20th century (original from c.1540)

Curator: This small bronze relief is entitled "Allegory of the Greedy Regiment," and it's held at the Harvard Art Museums. Its creator is, sadly, anonymous. Editor: The figures, especially the jester on the left, convey a sense of weariness, of being weighed down by something heavy. Curator: Likely the weight of societal expectations and the machinery of greed in social life. The material, bronze, itself speaks to durability, endurance. Editor: I wonder about the original context. These types of pieces often served as political commentary, meant to circulate and be discussed in specific social circles. Curator: Precisely. The regiment's 'greed' perhaps points to economic policies or the consumption habits encouraged by those in power. I find the texture quite evocative, and the patina of the bronze suggests it was well-handled. Editor: A fascinating, and unfortunately, timeless piece. Curator: Indeed, it's a reminder of how art objects become records of our persistent human struggles.