The Flying Dutchman 19th-20th century

Editor: So, this is Fantin-Latour's "The Flying Dutchman." It’s at the Harvard Art Museums, and there isn't a specific date. The stormy atmosphere is powerful. I feel the drama. What strikes you most about this image? Curator: It’s the yearning, isn't it? The ghostly figure reaching, the captain resolute but trapped. Fantin-Latour loved Wagner; it’s pure romantic agony, distilled into lithographic longing. The Dutchman eternally searching, never finding… it’s a feeling, really, isn’t it? Have you ever felt that kind of unending quest? Editor: Oh, definitely, especially when writing a paper! I see what you mean now about the feeling of longing coming through. Curator: Yes, exactly! It’s less about the literal shipwreck and more about the shipwreck of the soul. Editor: I now see so much more than just a ghost ship. Thanks!