Plate IX c. 19th century

Curator: Johann Caspar Nepomuk Scheuren, born in 1810, created this etching, titled Plate IX, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is of a somewhat melancholic scene, despite the rushing water. The stark blacks and whites create a feeling of isolation. Curator: Note the interplay of light and shadow, how it carves the space. The diagonal lines leading the eye upward, mimicking the mountains, invite contemplation, connecting earth and sky. Water, of course, is a potent symbol of purification. Editor: Yes, and the density of the line work varies greatly; from the light airy strokes in the sky to the dense thickets surrounding the water—which creates a beautiful contrast. Curator: It speaks to a deep Romantic yearning for a connection with nature, a reflection of the soul’s journey through the wilderness of life. Editor: Indeed, the composition almost feels like a stage set, heightening the dramatic feel. Curator: The enduring power of symbols. Editor: Absolutely, a masterful use of technique.