Ancona, Italy 19th-20th century

Curator: This is "Ancona, Italy," a watercolor landscape by Denman Waldo Ross. It's held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What strikes me is how the washes of color convey the shimmering heat of the place. The orange sail, for instance, almost vibrates against the hazy blues and grays. Curator: Ross was deeply interested in color theory, particularly its emotional impact. He saw art as a form of social uplift. Think of the Arts and Crafts movement, valuing accessible beauty. Editor: And you can see that approach in the materials and technique too. Watercolor is quick, portable, ideally suited for capturing a fleeting impression. It democratizes art-making. Curator: True, the accessibility is key. Ross's aesthetic theories aimed to elevate public taste, hoping art could encourage a more harmonious society. Editor: I see that connection now; it is an interesting perspective on how the choice of materials reflects his beliefs. Curator: It’s a lovely example of how social ideals can influence artistic practice. Editor: Indeed, it makes you rethink the relationship between craft, art, and the broader world.