Gezicht op kust van Strongoli ten zuiden van de Cap delle Alice 1778

Editor: This watercolor by Louis Ducros from 1778 is titled "View of the Coast of Strongoli South of Capo delle Alice." It feels so serene, almost like a dreamscape. I’m curious, what strikes you most about this particular piece? Curator: You know, the muted palette really does lend itself to a dreamlike quality. But I see something more in it – a longing, maybe. Ducros painted this *en plein air*, capturing a real moment in time, but it’s a time tinged with the romantic sensibility of the era. Does that muted colour scheme evoke other emotions for you? I can't help but be transported to Italy as I get such romantic images of Italian views in my head. Editor: Longing, yes, I can see that. There’s a definite sense of distance in the composition. The town seems so far away, shrouded in mist. Was Ducros maybe feeling a little detached? Curator: Possibly. Artists don't have to be aloof; perhaps a tad withdrawn from the moment but as Ducros himself stated, "there is art in having dreams, don't let anyone distract you from this". Think about it; he's capturing not just the scene, but also the feeling of being *in* that scene. You know, feeling small amidst this vast landscape, almost overcome. It invites a stillness, and if you ask me, he more than succeeds. What do you take from the stillness? Editor: The stillness makes me consider transience. All this grandeur will remain even when nobody remains to experience it. Curator: You put my wonderings into much simpler and very poignant language, yes, but will that last when everything will have died out in several millions of years from now? That is the real transient fact for me... What a way to begin the day! Editor: Absolutely! That changes how I see it entirely.