Farm Buildings 19th-20th century

Editor: This is "Farm Buildings" by Denman Waldo Ross, a watercolor at the Harvard Art Museums. The red buildings really pop against the muted landscape. What historical context can you share about this piece? Curator: This watercolor reflects a shift towards valuing rural landscapes and agrarian life, idealized in contrast to rapid industrialization. How does Ross's technique contribute to this idealization? Editor: The loose brushstrokes and soft colors create a sense of peacefulness, almost romanticizing the farm. Curator: Precisely. This aesthetic, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, helped shape public perceptions of rural America and its place in national identity. Editor: It’s fascinating to see how art can influence societal values and beliefs about the countryside. Curator: Indeed, "Farm Buildings" is not just a depiction; it’s a statement about cultural priorities.