Hospice of Great St. Bernard 18th-19th century

Editor: This is "Hospice of Great St. Bernard" by W. R. Smith, located at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a stark image. What strikes me is its small scale and the bleakness of the landscape. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a powerful depiction of resilience, isn't it? Consider the socio-political implications of offering sanctuary in such an inhospitable environment. Who are these monks serving, and what power structures are they implicitly supporting or challenging? Editor: That's a good point. It makes me think about who has access to safety and refuge, even now. Curator: Exactly. And how the act of offering that refuge, even in the simplest form, can become a profound statement against indifference. Editor: I hadn't considered the social dynamics at play here. Thanks for illuminating that!