Duomo, Ancona 19th-20th century

Editor: Denman Waldo Ross's watercolor, "Duomo, Ancona," presents this Italian cathedral bathed in light. The architectural details are softened by the medium, almost dissolving. What can we learn about artistic production by looking closely at Ross's technique? Curator: This watercolor highlights the process of artistic creation. The washes of color and the visible brushstrokes reveal Ross's hand and the immediacy of his experience. How does this demystification of the artistic process challenge traditional notions of art as a product of genius? Editor: That’s interesting. It makes me consider the accessibility of the image itself. Curator: Precisely. By focusing on the materiality of the watercolor and the labor involved, we shift our attention from the subject—the Duomo—to the act of making art. A democratic turn, perhaps? Editor: A wonderful new perspective to appreciate. Thanks!