Midnight Duty c. 20th century

Editor: This is Eugene Higgins’s "Midnight Duty," date unknown, at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s quite small, a dark etching. The figures seem shrouded in shadow. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a stark depiction of urban poverty, reflective of Higgins's social consciousness. The woman on the steps, perhaps a mother, embodies resilience in the face of hardship. The shadowy figure below suggests the precariousness of their existence. Editor: So it’s a critique of social inequality? Curator: Absolutely. Higgins, influenced by the Ashcan School, used his art to highlight the plight of the marginalized. This image invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about class and opportunity. Editor: I never considered the social commentary. Thanks for sharing that insight. Curator: It’s crucial to remember that art is a powerful tool for social change and reflection.