Mountain Climber Resting 1868 - 1869

Editor: So here we have "Mountain Climber Resting" by Winslow Homer, done around 1868 or '69, it seems, rendered in graphite and charcoal. I’m struck by the sense of solitude and calm, yet there’s an element of precariousness too, sitting right on the edge. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Precariousness, absolutely. That pipe, precariously dangling, the cliff edge...It makes me wonder, what was he thinking about, gazing into that landscape? Was it the pure exhilaration of the climb, the landscape drinking him in? Or the simple, beautiful act of surviving a climb? There’s something beautifully raw and yet cultivated about Homer’s line, too. Have you noticed the textures he gets with just charcoal and graphite? It’s as if he’s sculpted this whole vista out of smoke. Editor: The textures are pretty amazing, I agree. Especially the way he contrasts the smoothness of the sky with the roughness of the rocks. But thinking about that “cultivated” aspect… is this about man taming nature, maybe? Curator: Oh, I don’t know about taming exactly. Maybe more like trying to find your place within its immensity, like a tiny charcoal mark on a vast, textured paper. What do you think it says that this person stops to rest so near the edge? He knows death is near, but isn't running. Maybe there is serenity in understanding mortality... Editor: I suppose so...there is so much in the background which helps convey mortality's relevance. Now, considering his resting so close to the edge really gives a new perspective! Thank you so much! Curator: A pleasure. It is funny how art makes one consider places of risk or where there are few safety nets. But that’s part of what keeps us engaged isn’t it? Keeps life vivid?