Tower, Cortina, Italy 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Denman Waldo Ross’s sketch, “Tower, Cortina, Italy.” I’m struck by how the simple lines capture a sense of timelessness, of a place steeped in history. What stories do you see embedded in this image? Curator: The tower, replicated across centuries in various cultures, represents stability and power. Ross has rendered a place with a visual shorthand that conveys a sense of permanence. Do you see how the tower anchors the composition, suggesting a cultural continuity despite the changing landscape around it? Editor: Yes, the tower definitely grounds the image. It's interesting to consider how something so static can also represent the passage of time. Curator: Consider how the architecture may evoke emotional responses associated with heritage, memory, and a sense of belonging. It suggests that architecture itself can be a powerful symbol. Editor: I see that now, it's more than just a building, it's a vessel for cultural memory. Curator: Exactly, and that’s what makes this seemingly simple sketch so evocative.