Grisons, Switzerland 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Denman Waldo Ross’s “Grisons, Switzerland”, a watercolor painting housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels so serene; the cool tones evoke a sense of stillness, like time slowing down in this Swiss village. Curator: Indeed. The composition, focused on the church tower amidst the stone buildings, really emphasizes the enduring presence of faith within the community. We see this motif across time and cultures. Editor: Yes, and the way the light filters through the narrow streets... it's almost like a spiritual pathway, guiding the eye towards the mountains. Curator: Precisely. And the humble materials, the watercolor on paper, lend a sense of intimacy, of a quiet moment captured. The art object itself becomes a vessel of memory. Editor: There is something captivating about the composition. It feels like a stage in a play, and I am waiting for the figures to appear. Curator: I agree, and I think that its lack of specificity of place allows this image to evoke a sense of peace that has a universal appeal. Editor: Well, I am ready to buy a ticket!