Presentation of the Flag c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Henri Félix Emmanuel Philippoteaux's work, titled "Presentation of the Flag," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a tentative, almost ephemeral quality for a scene of military ceremony. The graphite feels light, airy. Curator: Philippoteaux often depicted military subjects. The act of presenting a flag can be read as the embodiment of nationalism, intertwined with notions of power and sacrifice. Editor: Observe the grounded materiality, though – the way the flag itself would have been woven, dyed, handled. And consider the boots, the uniforms, the paper itself, all products of labor. Curator: The flag also serves as a potent symbol of belonging, but one that, historically, has also excluded and oppressed marginalized groups. It raises questions about who is truly represented. Editor: The marks communicate the artist's hand, his process, and the social structure needed to put graphite to paper. It makes me consider the artist’s position and labor. Curator: Right, the piece forces us to contemplate not just historical narratives but also their ongoing impact on identity and inclusion. Editor: Yes, by looking at the materials and how they were utilized. Curator: Agreed. By understanding art's historical and material context, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.