Street Scene, Ronda, Spain 1895

Curator: Denman Waldo Ross's "Street Scene, Ronda, Spain" presents a fascinating look into early 20th-century travel and representation, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the soft, almost dreamlike quality of the watercolour. The buildings seem to emerge from the light itself. Curator: Ross was deeply influenced by notions of the picturesque, and here you see a composition that romanticizes the location. It’s less about the specifics of the architecture and more about creating a mood. The gaze travels easily through the scene. Editor: And the materials themselves-- watercolour on paper-- speak to a tradition of plein air painting, of capturing a fleeting moment. The quick, loose brushstrokes emphasize the ephemeral nature of the scene. It certainly contrasts sharply with more formally commissioned landscapes. Curator: Exactly, and considering the historical context of Ronda, Spain, we can see that Ross' painting engages with a long tradition of orientalism, but also hints at the rise of mass tourism that transformed many such locations. Editor: It makes me wonder about the accessibility of these scenes during this era. The subtle colour palette invites introspection. I agree, it speaks volumes about the artist's perspective and the era's values. Curator: Indeed, thinking about how artists like Ross shaped perceptions of places like Ronda is vital for understanding our own relationship to these locations today. Editor: I'm left pondering the role of materiality in shaping our perception of "place." Thanks to Ross, and you, I can view it in a different way.