Jason 1807

Curator: This is Charles Turner's "Jason," an engraving capturing a moment of peril. The dimensions are roughly 11 by 16 inches. What strikes you initially? Editor: The sepia tones and dense foliage immediately evoke a sense of claustrophobia. The paper itself looks quite aged. Curator: Turner, born in 1774, really leans into the drama of the myth, doesn't he? You can almost feel Jason's apprehension facing that serpent. Editor: Absolutely. And look at the skeletal remains in the foreground. It's a brutal reminder of the physical demands placed on labor in pursuit of heroic glory. The very act of producing this engraving involves significant labor. Curator: Indeed. There’s an interesting contrast here, isn’t there? A classical subject rendered with such tangible, almost gritty, texture. Editor: The texture also hints at a mass-produced aesthetic, it's not just about high art anymore but about dissemination. Curator: A fascinating blend of myth and method. Editor: Yes, and it prompts a deeper consideration about how we tell stories.