The Ford 1865

Curator: This is Charles François Daubigny’s print, "The Ford," housed here at Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the sense of quietude achieved through the tonal range despite the lack of color. Curator: Daubigny was a significant figure in the Barbizon school, advocating for painting en plein air. This work reflects his commitment to depicting rural life and nature, influencing later Impressionists. Editor: Look at the layering of textures—the dense thicket against the soft reflections in the water—it’s a masterclass in etching! Curator: Absolutely. And consider the implications of the title; the ford as a place of passage, perhaps reflecting broader social shifts towards rural landscapes. Editor: I see the way the lines converge toward the center, framing the cows and the distant landscape. It provides structure but also draws the eye through the scene. Curator: It really exemplifies Daubigny’s contribution to representing the French countryside, both artistically and culturally. Editor: Indeed, Daubigny creates a space for quiet reflection.