Val San Nicola, Switzerland c. 19th century

Editor: This is Robert Wallis's "Val San Nicola, Switzerland," a print held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the romantic, almost dreamlike quality. What symbols resonate most with you in this landscape? Curator: The valley itself, Val San Nicola, is a powerful symbol. Valleys often represent journeys, transitions, and the unfolding of life, don't you think? The mountains in the background suggest aspiration, perhaps even the sublime. Editor: Absolutely. So the figures on horseback, they are not simply traveling, but on a symbolic journey? Curator: Precisely. Consider also the church spire – a beacon of faith, piercing the sky. It’s juxtaposed with the wildness of nature, isn’t it? A reminder of humanity's attempt to find order amidst the chaos. Editor: I hadn't considered the interplay between the church and the landscape. It's fascinating how the image holds both the earthly and the spiritual. Curator: Indeed. The enduring power of landscape art lies in its ability to reflect our inner landscapes, our hopes, and our fears.