Traveller Resting by a Spring c. 18th century

Editor: Ferdinand Kobell's "Traveller Resting by a Spring," created sometime in the late 18th century, gives off such a peaceful vibe. The cross-hatching creates a lush, almost dreamy landscape. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: Well, I see a dance between the detailed foreground and the hazy background. The traveller, almost an afterthought, melts into the grandeur of nature. Do you get a sense of Romanticism brewing here? It’s that feeling of being small amidst the sublime. Editor: Definitely, it’s like a little moment of quiet contemplation in a vast world. It makes you wonder what the traveller is thinking about! Curator: Exactly! Kobell isn't just showing us a scene; he's hinting at a feeling, an experience. And that’s what makes it sing. Editor: I see that now. Thanks, that's so interesting.