Landscape 19th-20th century

Editor: This watercolor landscape is by Denman Waldo Ross, simply titled "Landscape," and it's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It feels so bright and open, but also somehow contained. What do you see in this piece, looking at it from your perspective? Curator: This watercolor exemplifies the early 20th century’s fascination with the picturesque. Ross's loose brushwork and the focus on light create an idealized vision of rural life. How do you think this image might have functioned for its intended audience? Was it pure escapism, or something more? Editor: Maybe it was a way to connect with a simpler way of life, especially during a time of rapid industrial growth. It is interesting to think about the political implications of such an image. Curator: Exactly. These landscapes often reinforce a romanticized view of the world, subtly shaping our perceptions of place and belonging. Something to keep in mind in an increasingly globalized world.