Jason c. 19th century

Curator: Joseph Mallord William Turner created this etching, titled "Jason." You can find it here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What strikes me is how vulnerable Jason looks against such a formidable, overgrown landscape. The shadows really amplify a sense of threat. Curator: Right, Turner often uses dramatic lighting to emphasize the power dynamics between humans and nature. He was very interested in exploring mythic heroes in contemporary society. Editor: I see Jason almost as a symbol of the individual against oppressive structures. His quest reflects the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation. Curator: Absolutely. Turner engaged with the political and social issues of his time through art. We see how he used classical stories to explore contemporary anxieties. Editor: Looking at it now, it seems to encourage us to reflect on who we consider heroes and why. Curator: Definitely. Turner's "Jason" offers us an opportunity to think about how we perceive and construct our own narratives around power, nature and history.