The Main Altarpiece, Cologne Cathedral c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Hermann Walde's "The Main Altarpiece, Cologne Cathedral," at the Harvard Art Museums. It has an incredible sense of depth! What do you see in this piece, how do you interpret it? Curator: It's like stepping into a dream, isn’t it? I see a world poised between the earthly and divine, the artist’s rendering of faith and power in a kind of hopeful vision. The symmetry, though restrained, pulls my eye to the Madonna, the visual anchor. Does it feel similar to you? Editor: Yes! The Madonna certainly stands out. I hadn't considered the symmetry so consciously, but now it's clear as day. Curator: Art often whispers its secrets. Remember, it's not about right or wrong, but about our shared journey through the image. Editor: Absolutely. I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes us.