Stellina Surprised 1799

Curator: Here we have Barthélemy Joseph Fulcran Roger's piece, "Stellina Surprised," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has this dreamy, almost otherworldly feel. The dense, etched lines give a sense of depth and shadow, contrasting against the figures. Curator: Roger’s work often reflects the neoclassical fascination with romantic encounters, but also the power dynamics inherent in the male gaze of that time. Editor: I notice the careful detail in rendering the drapery and the human form, quite beautiful actually, showing the skill of the printmaker's labor. Curator: The image echoes the historical social codes around love and surprise encounters that resonated with its 18th-century audience. Editor: Interesting how the artist employed line and shadow as material elements that shape not only the form but the narrative's tension too. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how the artwork’s narrative reflects broader cultural values and ideas circulating in its time. Editor: Indeed, it allows us a glimpse into the intersection of aesthetics and material practice, revealing the era's values.