Charity c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Antonio Banzo's "Charity," a print held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels classical, almost like a Renaissance Madonna. What can you tell me about how this image functions within its cultural context? Curator: The image taps into a long tradition of representing idealised motherhood and female virtue, but it's crucial to consider the historical moment. How do socio-political ideals influence the creation and reception of these images? Editor: So, you're saying it's not just about the image itself, but the messages it sends in a particular society? Curator: Precisely. Images like this often served as visual propaganda, reinforcing societal expectations of women and promoting specific notions of charity and caregiving. What do you take away from that? Editor: It’s made me realize there’s a lot more to unpack than just the surface image. Thanks!