Untitled c. 20th century

Curator: This compelling watercolor, simply titled "Untitled," is by Rudolf Jacobi. It measures about 48 by 61 centimeters and resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the melancholy. The bare tree, the muted palette, it feels like a prelude to a storm. Curator: There's a palpable sense of place, isn't there? A snapshot of a Parisian street corner, perhaps, with its cafe sign. Jacobi captures the quiet life of the city. Editor: Absolutely. The cafe becomes a symbol of warmth and refuge amidst the raw elements. The lone figure walking by adds to the narrative, a solitary soul seeking shelter. Curator: I wonder if Jacobi intended to convey that feeling of solitude. Or if he was just capturing the transient feeling of the city. Editor: Perhaps both? The best art often speaks on multiple levels. It's a memory and a dream, all in one frame.