Bridge Over a Stream at Foot of a Hill c. 18th century

Curator: Salomon Gessner, who lived from 1730 to 1788, created this etching, "Bridge Over a Stream at Foot of a Hill." What do you make of it? Editor: It feels so… delicate! All those tiny lines creating this very peaceful, idyllic scene. It's almost dreamlike. Curator: Gessner was quite interested in classical landscapes, and you can see how he structures the composition with a clear foreground, middle ground, and background. The bridge acts as a visual link. Editor: It's funny, I keep thinking about that little couple walking on the road. Where are they going? What are they talking about? It’s like a tiny story unfolding. Curator: Exactly! Gessner invites us into this space, to imagine ourselves within it. I find the etching process itself incredibly fitting; it's as if the scene is emerging from memory. Editor: Yes, a memory of a perfect, quiet moment. It's a nice reminder to find beauty in the everyday, even in the simplest scenery.