Builders of Babylon c. 20th century

Curator: This is S. L. Margolies' "Builders of Babylon," a print held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition is striking. The stark contrast between the workers, the girder, and the towering cityscape below creates a powerful sense of scale and ambition. Curator: Indeed. There is a clear allusion to the Tower of Babel myth, isn't there? The figures become almost godlike, participating in a grand, perhaps hubristic, construction. Editor: Visually, the repetition of geometric forms—rectangles, cylinders, spheres—resonates. It’s like a visual language of progress, rendered in shades of gray. Curator: And what of the light? It seems to emanate from within the city itself, casting long shadows. It feels like a modern, almost ominous, interpretation of an ancient story. Editor: Yes, the chiaroscuro certainly reinforces the weighty themes. There is something both awe-inspiring and slightly unsettling about its grandeur. Curator: It prompts us to consider the cultural narratives we construct around progress and the individuals shaping our environment. Editor: The piece certainly embodies the spirit of its title. I appreciate the visual dialogue and commentary the work sparks.