Rangeley Lake, Maine Possibly 1878

Curator: This is Benjamin Champney's sketch, "Rangeley Lake, Maine," held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. A quiet, contemplative landscape. What do you notice first? Editor: Its quietude, definitely. The composition's simplicity—the horizontal emphasis, minimal detail—evokes a sense of stillness. It almost feels unfinished. Curator: Champney, a White Mountain School artist, likely created this en plein air. These landscapes popularized New England, fostering tourism and romanticizing nature. Editor: Indeed. The sketch's rawness belies a complex relationship between art, environmentalism, and the commodification of scenic beauty. The very act of depicting Rangeley Lake contributed to its transformation into a destination. Curator: I find the delicate pencil work quite striking. The subtle gradations in tone beautifully capture the atmospheric perspective. Editor: A reminder that even the most seemingly objective representation is imbued with cultural and historical weight. Curator: A peaceful yet intriguing piece. Editor: Absolutely, a testament to the layered narratives embedded within seemingly simple works.