Waterfall Near the Baths of Leuk c. 18th century

Curator: Salomon Gessner, active in the late 18th century, created this print, "Waterfall Near the Baths of Leuk." Editor: It’s quite striking—the stark contrast of light and shadow creates a sense of drama. Curator: Indeed. Consider how Gessner uses line—the density and direction to sculpt the forms, the rock face. Notice the waterfall’s smooth cascade in contrast to the jagged texture around it. Editor: The presence of figures, human and animal, also adds a layer. It’s not just about aesthetic beauty; it’s about the relationship between people and nature, about landscape as something inhabited and used. Curator: Perhaps, but one must not overlook the sophisticated interplay of positive and negative space, the careful distribution of tonal values that ultimately define the visual impact. Editor: All the same, this idyllic scene idealizes a certain kind of harmony, obscuring the social and economic realities of rural life. Who is allowed to experience this "harmony?" Curator: An important consideration, but the formal elements are undeniable. Editor: Perhaps, and perhaps the artwork has more to say than what meets the eye.