Near Stalvedro c. 18th century

Curator: Salomon Gessner, a Swiss artist from the 18th century, created this etching, "Near Stalvedro." Editor: It strikes me as a bit melancholic, with that dramatic landscape rendered in such stark lines. Curator: Gessner was known for his idyllic landscapes. This work, though, hints at the sublime, reflecting the era's interest in nature's power, perhaps as a kind of divine force. Editor: The composition is certainly powerful. The jagged peaks loom, framing that tiny bridge and the small building that seems like a chapel. Note the fine hatching. Curator: These images were often circulated as prints, influencing perceptions of landscape and perhaps fueling Romantic ideas about wilderness. Editor: Yes, you feel dwarfed. It's a visually compelling piece that captures that tension between humanity and the untamed world. Curator: A tension that was only growing as Europe underwent social and political transformation. It's quite moving to consider.