Calm c. 19th century

Curator: This is “Calm,” a tonal lithograph by Thomas Goff Lupton, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Ah, what a soothing scene. It gives me such a reflective mood; it feels like a memory surfacing. Curator: Lupton was a master of mezzotint, a printmaking technique that allowed for rich tonal gradations. Here, he presents us with an active port scene, likely reflecting the growth of maritime activities during the industrial revolution. Editor: It’s interesting how the light creates depth. Are the figures on the boats fishermen or traders? I imagine their daily lives, the smell of salt, and the creak of wood. It's more than just boats; it is about labor and trade. Curator: Indeed, the image serves as a document of its time, reflecting shifts in labor and trade dynamics. Editor: It is just a picture of hard work, a tangible connection to the past.