Wildkirchli and Saint Michael's Chapel c. 18th century

Curator: Salomon Gessner, born in 1730, created this etching, "Wildkirchli and Saint Michael's Chapel," capturing a Swiss landscape. It's now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? It feels like a stage set for a really contemplative play, all cliffs and hidden chapels. Curator: The Wildkirchli caves were significant pilgrimage sites, reflecting the intersection of faith and nature, and Gessner aimed to capture the sublime quality of the Alps, popular at the time. Editor: You can feel the weight of the rock. Even with the delicate lines, there's this sense of permanence, you know? Like those little chapels have always been there, nestled in the mountain's embrace. Curator: Gessner's work circulated widely, shaping perceptions of the Alps and contributing to emerging concepts of national identity. Editor: It reminds me that even the most imposing landscapes can harbor these tiny pockets of humanity, these places for quiet reflection. It’s quite humbling.