Landscape with the River Main 

Curator: Before us is a scene by Jakob Bürgi titled "Landscape with the River Main." What feelings stir within you as you gaze upon this vista? Editor: It's undeniably serene, isn't it? There's this soft, almost muted palette that gives the entire scene a quality of peacefulness. A bit… wistful, perhaps? Curator: Indeed, the calmness permeates. And what about the ways it's crafted? It's quite clearly a painting; though some classify the piece as an oil painting or even watercolor, which would you consider to be the prevalent medium? Editor: Well, based on the detail, and that texture there around the edges, this piece really speaks of meticulous layering of colors—it would point me to oil painting as the primary material. I'm wondering about the support. Can we find any material provenance that can hint to why Bürgi chose what he chose? Was this intended for travel? Curator: The lack of precise dating means we’re adrift somewhat, however if the artist produced work on a commercial level—to reach an ever growing audience— that may well influence which processes, in regards to both labor and time, the painter uses to execute the work. Editor: That makes total sense; Bürgi wasn't just depicting a landscape, he was participating in the landscape market, in a sense. Each building a brushstroke of labor economics! Curator: I suppose so, even if my own vision for the landscape lies with other forms. It is impossible, when standing here to think about its implications from a certain vantage point, not to become emotional. For me it serves as a profound moment. Editor: Absolutely. Thinking about artmaking as labor brings another dimension. I think I understand the picture that much better. Curator: So then it offers a reflective note on nature's role for the self and society, in conjunction. It may not strike at once but there’s definitely a reason as to why the Main drew the eye and heart.