Venice 1913

Editor: This watercolor is titled "Venice" by Denman Waldo Ross, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a dreamy, almost faded image. What social function do you think this image fulfills? Curator: Considering Ross’s position and travels, I would suggest this work functions as a form of cultural capital. The casual watercolor style speaks to a certain class that could afford leisure travel and artistic pursuits, doesn't it? Editor: It does. It feels like a souvenir, but one intended for a sophisticated audience. Curator: Exactly. The act of painting Venice, a historically significant art city, reinforces a cultural narrative. Editor: I hadn’t considered its role in reinforcing social hierarchies. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure, It has been a useful conversation.