Oedipus on Mt. Citerone, after Mengs c. 19th century

Curator: This is "Oedipus on Mt. Citerone, after Mengs," a small, round, almost ghostly bas-relief piece credited to the Pichler family, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's surprisingly delicate given the subject matter, the light almost ethereal. The composition feels very neoclassical with its balanced figures. Curator: Indeed, the Pichlers were renowned for their skill in glyptography, often reproducing popular paintings as miniature engravings or cameos. The story, of course, is anything but delicate. Editor: The minimal relief adds to the drama—the scene is present, but almost fading, like a tragic memory. The lack of sharp lines forces you to engage with the emotional core rather than the physical details. Curator: Absolutely. This piece, replicated and circulated, brought high art and tragic narratives to a broader audience, shaping public taste and understanding of classical stories. Editor: The composition subtly guides your eye toward the central figures, emphasizing their vulnerability. It's a masterclass in understated storytelling. Curator: It serves as a reminder that art’s power isn’t always in size or flamboyance, but in accessibility and lasting resonance. Editor: Precisely, its small scale invites an intimate, almost private contemplation of a very public tragedy.