Sky at Night 19th-20th century

Curator: This watercolor is titled "Sky at Night." The artist is Denman Waldo Ross. It's a compact piece, about 18 by 25 centimeters, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels vast, though. Like looking into deep space, or maybe a very still lake reflecting a star-pricked sky. Somber but hopeful too, that one bright star. Curator: The darkness, the contrast with the single, luminous star, is very potent. Stars have long symbolized guidance, hope, even destiny across many cultures. Editor: That star... it's like a cosmic lighthouse. Or maybe just a quiet reminder that even in the darkest night, there's always a little light to be found. Curator: Right, the symbolism is pretty universal. It brings to mind, too, that the night sky represents the unknown, the infinite... a space for dreams. Editor: Definitely. It reminds me of lying on my back as a kid, trying to connect the dots between stars, inventing my own constellations. It's a hopeful image. Curator: It's interesting how a simple watercolor can hold so much symbolic and personal resonance. A tiny artwork evoking immense themes. Editor: Exactly. I'm glad I saw it. I think it gave me a bit of perspective, or at least a nice feeling of quiet wonder, as I pondered the deeper meanings evoked.