Saint Catherine of Alexandria, after Filippino Lippi

Curator: Before us is Joseph Smith's watercolor, "Saint Catherine of Alexandria, after Filippino Lippi," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's such a dreamlike quality to the washes of color. It feels ephemeral, as if Saint Catherine is fading into the background. Curator: Observe how Smith employs transparent layers to create depth, yet the composition maintains a deliberate flatness, emphasizing the picture plane. Editor: I'm curious about the artist's process. Watercolors are often seen as delicate, but here, there's a visible confidence in the application, a sort of boldness in the blending. Curator: The semiotic weight of the crown, traditionally a signifier of royalty and martyrdom, is somewhat muted by the softness of the medium. The effect transforms her into more of a poetic figure. Editor: Perhaps Smith's choice of watercolor, a less 'precious' material than oil paint, democratizes the iconic saint, making her more accessible, more human, even. Curator: A compelling interpretation. I appreciate the visual analysis, and the focus on how the material shapes our understanding of the subject. Editor: Thank you. And considering the process helps us appreciate the final composition, it really encourages us to consider what we value in art.