A Young Man "Raphael at the Age of 25" c. 19th century

Curator: This is François Forster's print, "A Young Man ‘Raphael at the Age of 25’," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s an evocative portrait. Editor: It feels so… contemplative. He looks almost melancholic, despite his obvious youth. There is some sense of weariness perhaps. Curator: Yes, the pose—head resting on his hand—has been a symbol of pensiveness for centuries. Think of Renaissance depictions of philosophers or even saints in sorrow. Editor: This is the burden of genius, I suppose. But also it’s important to consider the historical context of the male gaze. Who painted it? For whom? Curator: And who was Raphael to Forster? The artist clearly saw Raphael as a figure worthy of such representation, someone with inner depth. Editor: It’s fascinating how Forster reinterprets Raphael, projecting his own understanding of creative genius. Curator: Ultimately, the print becomes a symbol of artistic legacy, a chain of influence across time. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about, this quiet portrait.