Porta Furba. Rom 1904

Albert Gottschalk created this oil painting, Porta Furba, in Rome. The painting’s surface is built up with layers of earth tones, with dabs of green and blue. I imagine Gottschalk standing before this ancient Roman site, trying to capture its essence in paint. What was he thinking as he mixed those hues of ochre and burnt sienna, attempting to convey the weight and history of those weathered stones? The archway of the Porta Furba is like a portal, framing a distant landscape in muted colors. I love how the rough texture of the paint mimics the rough texture of the stone, creating a tactile experience for the viewer. It reminds me of Corot's landscapes, with their quiet, contemplative mood. Artists are constantly looking at each other's work across time, responding, challenging, and inspiring one another. Gottschalk’s painting invites us to contemplate the passage of time and the enduring power of art.