Mars Orange 

Curator: The artwork is a photograph titled "Mars Orange," manufactured by Sennelier. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The image has a quiet, almost scientific feel. It is dominated by the color grid, with the small bottle of pigment almost an afterthought. Curator: Indeed. As a manufacturer of art supplies, Sennelier plays a crucial role in the art world, influencing color palettes and techniques available to artists. Editor: And Mars Orange itself—the pigment seems so contained, yet it hints at fiery landscapes, the potential of intense expression. Curator: The label suggests the pigment's origins in iron oxides, historically associated with strength and durability, reflecting its market appeal. Editor: The composition seems deliberate, a study in contrasts: natural pigment versus manufactured color swatches. Curator: The photograph serves as a kind of visual documentation, offering a glimpse into the materials that shape artistic creation. Editor: Overall, it’s a testament to the tools with which artists explore their world. It’s more revealing than one might expect.