Arlington Heights, Massachusetts 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Denman Waldo Ross's watercolor painting, "Arlington Heights, Massachusetts," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My immediate impression is of a verdant, slightly overgrown space, captured with loose, rapid strokes. It feels both calming and a little untamed. Curator: Ross was deeply interested in the practical application of color theory. He actually designed a color wheel meant for industrial use and believed harmonious color could improve the lives of workers. Editor: Fascinating! This vision of color's impact on labor and societal well-being reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of the working class through the means of production. Curator: Exactly. Watercolor enabled him to quickly capture these fleeting scenes; each brushstroke is evidence of his engagement with the material. Editor: I can see how this landscape might represent the yearning for accessible beauty, a democratized aesthetic experience available to all, regardless of social standing. Curator: It's a reminder that art, even in its creation, has the potential to alter the social environment. Editor: It provides a unique view into the intersection of art, labor, and societal uplift, doesn't it?