Campanile of S. Stephano, Venice, Italy 19th-20th century

Editor: So, this is Denman Waldo Ross's watercolor, "Campanile of S. Stephano, Venice, Italy," housed right here at Harvard. I'm struck by how the architecture seems to melt into the sky. What statements might Ross be making about Venice, and perhaps its power? Curator: I think it's crucial to consider Venice as a historical power built on trade, but also on exploitation. The soft rendering, the 'melting' you describe, could be read as a commentary on the fading grandeur, perhaps even a critique of its colonial past. What do you think about the colour palette? Editor: It feels very dreamlike, almost nostalgic. Curator: Exactly! Nostalgia can be a powerful tool. Does it romanticize the past, obscuring the realities of Venetian dominance, or does it offer a more nuanced perspective? Food for thought! Editor: I see what you mean, thank you!