Waterfall on the Steirmark, Drawn from Nature 1681

Curator: Here we have Melchior Küsel's "Waterfall on the Steirmark, Drawn from Nature," held at the Harvard Art Museums. The exact date is unknown, but the fine lines create a truly evocative scene. Editor: My immediate impression is the raw power of nature conveyed through the artist's evident skill with the etching needle. You can almost hear the water! Curator: Precisely! Note the contrasting textures; the jagged rocks against the smooth flow of the water. The composition guides the eye from the tumultuous foreground to the serene distance. Editor: And consider Küsel's process. He must have meticulously prepared the metal plate, working in reverse to capture this vision. The labor is evident in every stroke. Curator: Indeed, and the spatial arrangement reinforces a sense of depth, employing the graphic language to create that sense of place. Editor: Thinking about this work in terms of the materials used in its production adds to its meaning. Curator: A compelling point to keep in mind while observing this unique work. Editor: A good way to conclude our discussion.