On This Side of Jove's Clouds 1885

Editor: Will Hicok Low's "On This Side of Jove's Clouds," made in 1885 using charcoal, watercolor, and gouache, depicts a nude figure seated on clouds. It feels very neoclassical in its presentation. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It is vital to consider the materials here, and the social status connected with this set of choices. The artist, making something supposedly ‘timeless’ using easily obtained, commercially available media, questions the entire notion of an ‘artistic genius.’ Someone simply executing a ‘divine’ idea? What ‘divine idea’ can come about without an artistic establishment providing resources, expectations, and access? What ‘eternal’ theme isn’t also thoroughly enmeshed in commodity culture and global trade? Editor: So you are saying that using these media democratizes the artwork and questions established notions? Curator: Precisely! This piece speaks volumes about the changing role of art production during the late 19th century, its departure from traditional elitism through a very embrace of popular techniques of drawing, gouache and watercolour, but ironically using this method to paint the subject in a manner akin to traditional classical imagery. Editor: That's a really fascinating point. I hadn't considered how the choice of materials might reflect a commentary on artistic value itself, and I find the fact it attempts this via traditional figure drawing even more compelling. Thanks for broadening my understanding. Curator: My pleasure, considering art this way helps understand cultural value in a broader context.