Morlaix c. 20th century

Curator: Herman Armour Webster’s print, titled “Morlaix,” captures a slice of small-town life. Its narrow, towering buildings and bustling street draw you right in. What’s your first impression? Editor: It feels like stepping back in time! The ink strokes are so deliberate, almost like captured memories, and the buildings seem to lean in like gossiping neighbors. Curator: Webster, born in 1878, really excelled at etching, and this is a prime example. The level of detail he achieves in such a small format is remarkable. Notice how the figures add a sense of scale. Editor: Yes, they are dwarfed by the architecture, which gives the town an almost imposing presence. Do you think he chose this angle to emphasize the enduring nature of community versus the fleeting presence of individuals? Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe he was simply taken by the visual drama of the scene. Remember, artists aren’t always aiming for grand social commentary; sometimes, it’s just the beauty of the ordinary that captures their eye. Editor: True, but isn’t it art's job, or at least our job as interpreters, to find the deeper resonance, even if unintended? Curator: Fair point! Whatever the intention, it’s a charming glimpse into a world both familiar and distant. Editor: Indeed. I might just have to start sketching street scenes myself! It is, in a way, the art of observation.