Goldau c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Johann Heinrich Meyer’s "Goldau," likely created sometime between 1680 and 1752, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. I find the etching quite charming in its depiction of a small village. What resonates most with you when you view this piece? Curator: Notice how the church steeple is centered, almost piercing the sky. The church is a symbol of stability, but placed against such immense mountains, it suggests a negotiation between the earthly and the divine. Meyer seems to be asking, "Where does faith reside in the face of nature's grandeur?" Editor: That’s a compelling point. The landscape does dwarf the village. Curator: Indeed. How does the image speak to your understanding of humanity’s place within the larger world? Editor: It makes me consider the enduring power of nature versus our more ephemeral creations. Thanks for sharing this perspective! Curator: My pleasure. It’s always rewarding to unpack the layered meanings embedded in these seemingly simple scenes.