Marengo c. 19th century

Editor: This is Edward Goodall’s “Marengo” from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a delicate landscape, almost dreamlike in its monochrome rendering. What associations does it conjure for you? Curator: The name "Marengo" itself acts as a potent symbol, immediately referencing Napoleon's victory. The scene is an echo, a cultural memory filtered through Goodall's lens. What feelings does that elicit? Editor: It feels distant, like a story retold so many times it's lost its initial impact. Curator: Perhaps. But consider the persistence of that narrative. Goodall captures not just a landscape, but the enduring power of myth and the weight of history embedded within it. Editor: So, it's about how we remember, not necessarily what we remember? Curator: Precisely. It’s about the layering of meaning, the cultural echoes that resonate long after the event itself. Editor: That gives me a new appreciation for its subtlety. Thanks for your insight. Curator: My pleasure, contemplating cultural memory through art is always enriching.