The Devil's Bridge, St. Gothard Pass c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have John Varley's "The Devil's Bridge, St. Gothard Pass" from the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: What a dramatic composition! It evokes a sublime sense of overwhelming power and the insignificance of man against nature. Curator: Indeed. Note the interplay of light and shadow, the verticality of the mountains offset by the horizontal thrust of the bridges. The composition guides the eye in a circular motion, from the churning waters below to the imposing peaks above. Editor: The Devil's Bridge is a potent symbol, recurring in folklore as a pact between man and the supernatural to overcome impossible obstacles. Water often suggests the unconscious, so the bridge symbolizes crossing into unknown psychological territory. Curator: That resonates. The artist's monochromatic palette emphasizes the structural forms—the archways, the crags—achieving a stark, almost architectural rendering. Editor: The image echoes similar perilous crossings in mythology, suggesting the fragility of human endeavors and the price of ambition. Curator: A compelling reading, though I find the formal qualities equally captivating. The balance achieves a visual harmony despite the chaotic scene. Editor: It’s a stark reminder of the stories we tell ourselves, isn't it? Varley truly captured the spirit of the place.