Glaucus and Scylla 18th-19th century

Editor: This is William Say's "Glaucus and Scylla," an undated print housed at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by the composition, the way the light and shadow create such a dramatic scene. What do you see in the formal arrangement of elements here? Curator: Indeed, the contrast is key. Notice how the artist uses a monochromatic palette to emphasize form and texture. The rugged coastline is rendered with a clear sense of depth, achieved through careful gradations of tone and the strategic placement of shapes. Editor: So, it's not about the narrative then, but more about how the landscape is presented formally? Curator: Precisely. It’s the structure of the image itself—the interplay between light and shadow, the balance of forms—that constitutes its primary meaning. The medium itself contributes; consider the textural nuances afforded by the printing process. Editor: That's a great point. I see now how the emphasis on form elevates the landscape. Thanks for highlighting that!