Wells (1) c. 18th century

Editor: This is Ferdinand Kobell's "Wells (1)," currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's an etching, and I find the intricate lines and details quite captivating. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: The stark contrast between the delicate linework and the roughness of the subject matter creates a compelling tension. Note how Kobell uses hatching and cross-hatching to model form and suggest depth, creating the textural landscape. Do you observe how the wells are framed, anchoring the composition? Editor: Yes, the wells create a focal point amidst the surrounding nature. I am fascinated by the layering of the trees. Curator: Indeed, the strategic layering guides the viewer's eye. Consider how the artist uses the element of line to create the trees and create a sense of spatial recession and atmospheric perspective. Editor: It's amazing how much depth he creates with such simple marks! Thank you! Curator: It showcases how close formal analysis reveals the intrinsic value in the image.