Landscape, Remarque: a Fish 1892 - 1893

Curator: At Harvard, we have Charles-Marie Dulac’s print, "Landscape, Remarque: a Fish," of undetermined date. Editor: Oh, it feels so melancholy—the mirrored water reflecting heavy, almost suffocating foliage. Curator: It is an interesting example of the artist's exploration of tonal values in printmaking, quite popular at the time. Dulac exhibited at the Salon de la Rose + Croix, where artists like him sought spiritual meaning. Editor: Well, the fish remarque, at the bottom, supports that. It's an ancient symbol of spiritual transformation, isn’t it? I wonder if that quiet, still water hints at inner reflection. Curator: Perhaps, or the fish could be a market signature, a wink to potential buyers. It is hard to be certain, but the symbolism is intriguing. Editor: Indeed, a small detail adds layers to a seemingly simple landscape.