William Tell's Chapel c. 19th century

Curator: This is Robert Wallis's "William Tell's Chapel," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. There's a certain serenity to the image, wouldn't you say? Editor: Definitely. The sparseness draws the eye to the built structure at the right, and the little figures in the boat. What's the context of William Tell's Chapel? Curator: Well, the chapel commemorates Tell's legendary escape from Gessler's ship. Its position, clinging to the rock, facing the water, reinforces the potent symbolism of freedom and defiance against tyranny. Editor: I'm fascinated by the printmaking process that allowed Wallis to make multiple copies of this image, spreading these ideas of freedom and defiance beyond a single, unique artwork. Curator: Indeed. The act of reproducing the image democratizes access to it, transforming the chapel itself into a symbol reproduced and disseminated. Editor: I appreciate how this simple scene reminds us of the power of materials and processes in shaping and spreading influential narratives. Curator: Yes, the artwork reveals how even seemingly small images can carry a heavy cultural and political load.