House, Anacapri, Italy 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Denman Waldo Ross's sketch, titled "House, Anacapri, Italy," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the quiet stillness of the scene despite the architectural elements. There's almost a ghostly quality to the linework. Curator: The house itself, rendered with gentle strokes, seems to evoke a sense of timelessness, like a memory gently surfacing. Note the arches that could reference classical architectural styles. Editor: I'm curious about his choice of pencil and paper. The texture and its immediacy suggest that Ross was keen to capture the play of light and form in the moment. Curator: I see a dialogue between the transient—the bare tree—and the enduring—the building—which could represent the cyclical nature of life against human creation. Editor: The overall effect is like viewing a faded photograph, a testament to the enduring power of simple materials to record fleeting moments. Curator: Indeed, it invites contemplation of how we build spaces and meanings that echo across time. Editor: I agree; it's a beautiful exploration through humble means.