Mold for a Portrait of Two Children 1763 - 1764

Editor: This is Giovanni Battista Nini's "Mold for a Portrait of Two Children," at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small and delicate. What can you tell me about the social role of such portraits in their time? Curator: Well, consider that these molds, likely for terracotta medallions, allowed for the mass production of portraits. This speaks to the growing importance of the individual, but also the rise of a consumer culture. Who could afford such personalized objects, and what did they signify about their social standing? Editor: So, not just about art, but about the economy and class too. I hadn't thought of that! Curator: Precisely. The mold itself is a fascinating object, hinting at broader historical forces and the democratization of portraiture. Editor: I see a whole new dimension in this little artwork now. Thanks!