Arched Bridge c. 18th century

Curator: We’re looking at Ferdinand Kobell’s "Arched Bridge," held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is somber; the etched lines create a stark, almost desolate atmosphere. The bridge seems more precarious than inviting. Curator: Consider how bridges function as symbolic passages, connecting disparate points. Here, that connection seems fragile, perhaps reflecting societal anxieties of the era. Editor: The composition emphasizes instability. Note how the bridge cuts diagonally, disrupting any sense of horizontal calm. Light and shadow, almost stark, reinforce that unease. Curator: Indeed, the bridge's vulnerability invites reflection on the transient nature of human endeavors and the enduring power of the landscape. Editor: The lack of figures amplifies the feeling of abandonment. It allows the bridge itself to become a signifier, standing in for journeys interrupted or connections broken. Curator: A compelling reminder that symbols are always open to interpretation, shaped by our experiences. Editor: And shaped, too, by the artist's hand, guiding our gaze and our emotions.