Ronda, Spain 1895

Curator: This watercolor landscape, simply titled "Ronda, Spain" is by Denman Waldo Ross and is currently held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a lovely, muted scene. The colours are soft, almost dreamlike, and the brushstrokes are so loose. Curator: Ross was quite interested in using art to convey philosophical ideas about beauty, design, and social reform. The way he's simplified the architecture and landscape here could be seen as his attempt to distill Ronda down to its essence. Editor: I'm particularly struck by the figures making their way up the hill. There is a sense of everyday life but they are also anonymous, almost ghost-like, inviting us to project our own narratives. Curator: It's interesting you say that, because there is also the socio-political context here. How did travel, and the ability to depict it, reflect power dynamics of the time? Editor: Absolutely, and it's a reminder that even seemingly serene landscapes are never neutral. I appreciate that this quiet piece holds such complexities.