Murder of Edith Cavell 1918

Editor: This is George Bellows' "Murder of Edith Cavell," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a very stark and somber piece. The composition, with its strong use of light and shadow, feels incredibly dramatic. What stands out to you? Curator: I notice Bellows' focus on the process of lithography itself, how the greasy crayon yields these deep blacks and textured grays. The starkness you mention is heightened by the medium. Consider the social context: the print was made after World War I, reflecting anxieties about state power and violence against women. How does the materiality of the print, its accessibility, influence your interpretation of this event? Editor: That's fascinating! So, the choice of printmaking makes the statement more widely available, a conscious decision related to the message. Curator: Precisely. The means of production become intertwined with the critique of power. The cheapness of prints allowed the masses to be exposed to the horrors of war. Editor: I never thought about it that way, considering the material and the process as crucial parts of the artwork's impact. Thanks!