The Mirror, Cos Cob, Connecticut 

Editor: This is Childe Hassam's "The Mirror, Cos Cob, Connecticut," painted with watercolor in an impressionistic style. I find the mirroring effect of the buildings on the water's surface really captivating and, dare I say, dreamlike. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The dreamlike quality you mention is certainly enhanced by the watercolor medium, isn't it? But let’s consider that “mirror” in the title. Water has always been a potent symbol, hasn't it? Think of Narcissus. It’s a surface that reflects, yes, but it also hints at a hidden depth, the subconscious. Editor: So, are you saying that Hassam wasn’t just painting what he saw? Curator: Exactly! He chose to capture this particular scene. Note the light. It's golden, almost melancholic. Consider the Impressionists; they weren't merely documenting reality; they were capturing a fleeting moment, an emotional resonance with a scene. That reflected image doubles the reality, presenting both what is and perhaps what could be, or once was, triggering nostalgia. Do you feel that here? Editor: I do. It’s funny, I hadn't really thought about the mirror as a symbolic element, more as just a description of the image, the surface of the water, but it makes so much sense now. Curator: Visual artists are very conscious of the weight symbols can bring to a work, especially within a specific cultural or psychological framework. Paying attention to those details makes looking at art so much more engaging. Editor: I’ll definitely be looking closer now!