Two Soldiers c. 17th century

Curator: Salvator Rosa, born in 1615, was quite the character himself—a painter, poet, and printmaker. Here, we have his etching, Two Soldiers, at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's got this immediately conspiratorial feel, doesn’t it? Like they're plotting something, or one is giving the other some crucial, maybe dubious, direction. Curator: Rosa often explored themes of banditry and the lives of soldiers, reflecting the political unrest of his time and perhaps a critique of power structures. Editor: Yeah, but look at the details – that almost comical helmet on the seated figure! There's a dark humor here, a knowing wink at the absurdity of it all. It's not glorifying war. Curator: I agree. Rosa's work frequently challenged conventional heroic narratives, delving into the psychological realities of conflict and social upheaval. It encourages dialogue around the human costs of war and the complexities of morality in times of violence. Editor: True, but it's also just fantastically rendered, all those scratchy lines giving it this incredible texture and energy. I feel drawn in by their drama. Curator: Exactly. It’s a poignant reminder of the ever-shifting power dynamics and social struggles that continue to shape our world. Editor: Definitely leaves you pondering, doesn’t it? What a powerful, and dare I say, amusing piece.