Mediterranean Calm c. 20th century

Curator: This is Robert John Gibbings’ print, "Mediterranean Calm," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Look at the dynamism in a scene meant to evoke serenity. Editor: It feels… expectant. Like the moment just before the wind fills the sails and sends that little boat gliding out. The black ink against the blank space is so stark. Curator: The print’s high contrast really emphasizes the textures, doesn’t it? The rough-hewn wood of the boat, the ropes, even the suggestion of waves… Editor: And the single bird, heading out to sea... is the artist saying that peace can be found when one is alone? Curator: Gibbings was deeply influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, seeing beauty in functional objects and the value of hand craftsmanship. Editor: He definitely captures that sense of simple elegance here. You can almost smell the salt air, right? Curator: Indeed. He reminds us of the appeal of returning to nature and a simpler way of life.