Top of the Splügen Pass. I 

Curator: This watercolor by Francis Towne captures "Top of the Splügen Pass. I," a vista he encountered during his travels. The dimensions are quite intimate, only 148 by 212 millimeters. Editor: There’s a stark contrast here. The distant, faded mountains almost blend with the sky, while this imposing rock formation dominates the foreground. It feels imposing. Curator: Exactly. Towne's use of distinct washes delineates form and creates depth. Note the subtle gradations of color—how the light interacts to define the peaks. Editor: It makes me think about access, actually. Who gets to experience these sublime landscapes? Was this just for the wealthy elite on the Grand Tour? What about the local communities? Curator: An important consideration. However, the pure formalism is compelling. The composition divides nearly perfectly, giving us near and far simultaneously. Editor: Perhaps. But it's hard to ignore the power dynamics at play in landscape art of this period. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about possession. Curator: I see your point. Still, Towne's mastery is evident in how he structures this visual experience for us. Editor: True, but maybe we should also be mindful of who is 'us' in that experience.