Row of Poplars c. 1920 - 1930

Curator: This is Leopold Hugo’s Row of Poplars, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s evocative; that regimented line of trees creates such a strong sense of melancholy. Curator: Hugo's work often reflects an interest in the changing landscape and human intervention, doesn't it? You see the impact of land management in even such a simple scene. Editor: Absolutely. And observe how the artist uses the verticality of the trees against the horizontal plane of the water to create depth and a sense of enclosure. Curator: Yes, and in its time, this quiet reflection on the landscape offered a counterpoint to rapid industrialization narratives. Editor: Well, whatever the context, the formal repetition and tonal values create an atmosphere that is nothing short of haunting. Curator: A haunting reminder of our relationship with nature, indeed. Editor: Yes, a study in contrasts, both visually and conceptually.