House on the Hill c. 18th century

Editor: This is Ferdinand Kobell’s "House on the Hill," an etching from 1773, now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The etching seems so detailed. What do you make of this landscape? Curator: Consider the labor involved in creating this etching. Each line meticulously carved into the metal plate. How does this meticulous process influence our understanding of landscape as commodity, both in its making and its viewing? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It moves beyond just appreciating the scenery. Curator: Exactly! The act of creation, the material itself, and the social context of its production are all part of its meaning. I'm glad we got to dig deeper into "House on the Hill" today. Editor: Me too! Thanks for sharing a fresh perspective!