Landscape, Malaga, Spain 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross’s "Landscape, Malaga, Spain," a watercolor work. Its monochrome palette creates a wistful, almost dreamlike quality. What stands out to you? Curator: It evokes the grand tradition of landscape painting, but also raises questions about the artist’s intention. Was Ross simply capturing a picturesque scene, or was he engaging with broader cultural perceptions of Spain? Editor: What do you mean by perceptions? Curator: Well, landscape paintings often reflect a desire to claim or understand a space. Considering its time, this piece likely plays into the romanticized vision of exotic lands. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered that. It's a lot more nuanced than just a pretty picture. Curator: Exactly. The painting participates in a larger dialogue about how we view and represent other cultures.