Arequipa, Peru 19th-20th century

Editor: So, this watercolor is titled "Arequipa, Peru." It was created by Denman Waldo Ross, and it's currently at the Harvard Art Museums. The colors are so delicate; what feeling does this evoke for you? Curator: The subdued palette, dominated by earthy tones, speaks to a long-held respect for the land. The snow-capped mountains in the distance, rendered in soft purples, evoke a sense of permanence, almost a spiritual quality, framing human endeavors against the backdrop of geological time. Do you see how the shadowed figures descending the steps seem to almost blend into the earth itself? Editor: Yes, now that you mention it, the figures do seem to be part of the land. I didn't see it that way initially. Curator: Consider the building, too. Its solid form and earthy hues suggest a blending of human construction with the natural world, a visual reminder of humanity's place within the landscape. Editor: I appreciate how the artist uses color and composition to show humanity's connection to the land. Thanks for this perspective.