Horses 1838

Editor: August Koellner's "Horses" presents a somewhat bleak stable scene. There's such attention to the materials of the stall and the animals themselves. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The starkness of the image speaks volumes about agricultural labor. The etched lines, the very process of creating this image, mirror the repetitive, often unforgiving nature of working with animals. The horse, reduced here to its productive value. Editor: Productive value? Curator: Yes, consider the social context. The horse wasn't just an animal, but a tool, a commodity. Koellner's etching captures this relationship, highlighting the materials and labor involved. Does it change your perspective? Editor: Definitely. I was just seeing the horses; now I see the whole economic structure. Thanks!