Waterfall c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Samuel Middiman's "Waterfall," an engraving from the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the tranquil, almost idealized scene. What captures your attention most when you view this piece? Curator: It's a dance of contrasts, isn't it? The wild, untamed waterfall juxtaposed with the serene, almost storybook village perched above. I find myself wondering about the lives of those figures dotted across the landscape. What stories are unfolding there, do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered that – the narrative element. It's easy to get lost in the picturesque scenery. Curator: Exactly! Middiman is inviting us to imagine, to dream. It’s a reminder that even amidst nature's grandeur, there's always a human story bubbling beneath the surface. Editor: That gives me a fresh appreciation for it. It's more than just a pretty picture; it's an invitation to wander. Curator: Precisely, an invitation to wander, and perhaps to find a bit of ourselves reflected in that landscape.