Urner Loch 1781

Curator: Salomon Gessner, born in 1730, invites us to contemplate the formidable "Urner Loch" in this print. Editor: It’s so dramatic, isn't it? A little intimidating, even, with those stark, towering cliffs. Curator: Notice how Gessner uses etching to emphasize the sheer scale and rugged texture of the landscape. The lines create depth, pulling you into the scene. Editor: The contrast is gorgeous, though. Dark, dense areas against the light make the landscape feel more monumental. It’s as if nature itself is a character. Curator: Indeed, the tiny figures underscore this grandeur, almost dwarfed by the landscape. Gessner captures nature’s power, making us feel its majesty. Editor: I feel that—a humbling experience. It’s a reminder of nature's overwhelming presence. Curator: I find the image a testament to the sublime. Editor: Yes, a nice meditation on nature's grand design.