Two Landscapes c. 1840s

Curator: This is Louis Marvy's "Two Landscapes" held at the Harvard Art Museums. He was a 19th-century artist who captured the changing French countryside. Editor: The two scenes present a stark contrast. One, a cozy, almost claustrophobic cottage, the other, a sun-drenched bridge inviting journey. There's a tension here. Curator: Marvy’s rural scenes emerged during a period of rapid industrialization, creating nostalgia for the pre-modern era, particularly among the urban elite. Editor: I can see how these images might serve as a romanticized escape from the harsh realities of city life, but who has access to this "escape"? Curator: Exactly! These idyllic scenes, though seemingly apolitical, were deeply implicated in social and economic dynamics. Marvy's work reflects a selective vision of the French landscape. Editor: Which prompts questions about who is included, and who is not, in these visions of the past. It's about power, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely. Considering that, I find new layers in what at first looks like simple scenes. Editor: Agreed. These landscapes invite us to consider the stories they tell, and the stories they omit.