Water c. 1675

Curator: Welcome. We are looking at "Water," an etching by Gérard de Lairesse, found at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it’s like a dream pulled from the sea! Melancholy, though, isn't it? Like Neptune's having a bad day. Curator: Indeed. De Lairesse masterfully uses line and form to convey the classical subject. Note the careful orchestration of light and shadow; see how it sculpts the figures. Editor: The texture is incredible! You can almost feel the salty spray and the weight of that massive shell. But the cupid looks so… determined. Like he’s on a mission. Curator: The cupid, as an allegorical figure, infuses dynamism, propelling the composition forward. The mountains in the background add depth and grandeur. Editor: Grandeur and a touch of sadness. Makes you think about the vastness of the ocean and the tiny dramas playing out on its surface. Curator: A fitting interpretation. De Lairesse's "Water" offers layers of meaning that engage with the viewer. Editor: It's a small window into a big, watery world. And now I need a beach.