Dare to Know

This book offers a unique A to Z exploration of the Enlightenment, showcasing prints and drawings that shaped public opinion and political change.

In Dare to Know, readers embark on an A to Z journey through the Enlightenment, a period marked by a fervent quest for understanding and transformation. This exploration is vividly illustrated through an impressive collection of prints and drawings that not only reflect the era's artistic achievements but also serve as a catalyst for public discourse and political evolution. The book challenges conventional narratives of the Enlightenment, revealing the complexities of thought and expression that characterized the time.

The authors present 26 thematic essays, each organized alphabetically, offering insights into over 50 influential artists, including the likes of Henry Fuseli and Francisco Goya. These essays delve into various subjects, from the natural sciences to the burgeoning fields of technology and economics, all viewed through the unique lens of graphic arts. By examining the interplay between art and societal change, Dare to Know provides a fresh perspective on how visual culture influenced Enlightenment ideals.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, this work not only illuminates the artistic landscape of the Enlightenment but also engages with pressing questions of the era, such as the nature of knowledge and the human condition. Dare to Know serves as both an exhibition catalog for the Harvard Art Museums and a scholarly resource that enriches our understanding of this pivotal period in history.