Roman boy 12 - 1835

Curator: Welcome. Here we see Carl Morgenstern’s “Roman Boy,” a pencil drawing created in 1835, currently held at the Städel Museum. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the sheer amount of detail he's managed to achieve with just pencil. The textures, the clothing... I’m interested in how this came about. Curator: Indeed. Morgenstern situates this figure, most likely a young tradesman, in the lineage of romanticized depictions of the Italian working class. But this piece speaks volumes about societal views of labor and class distinctions in 19th century Rome. Consider the way he positions the figure, elevated yet somewhat worn, reflective perhaps, of a societal perception of the period. Editor: Looking closer, it’s remarkable how he rendered the boy’s clothing; the simple, functional fabrics and designs that define his material existence. What I want to know is who were the vendors providing this labor? Where were they in society and how did the conditions influence art? Curator: Those are critical points. These works often served as records of culture but also played a role in the colonial gaze. Morgenstern, a German artist traveling in Italy, reflects the art historical interest in romantic nationalism of the time. How does the boy's attire inform our understanding of 19th century Roman culture? His costume, while perhaps practical, is undeniably staged. Who selected his clothing and decided that this garb would accurately represent Roman culture? Editor: Agreed. Consider the materials themselves; paper, pencil, and the craftsmanship involved in illustrating class differences. The production process, if we dig a little deeper, tells another tale. Curator: A fascinating consideration, isn’t it? "Roman Boy" offers us insight into Romantic-era sensibilities around nationalism, class and perhaps serves as an example of material culture. Editor: Absolutely. Examining the artwork through the lens of materials and labor exposes hidden socioeconomic factors and a different perspective on class as perceived during this time.