Landscape with Cows c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have William Morris's "Landscape with Cows," a charcoal drawing from the Harvard Art Museums. It feels so immediate and raw. What stands out to you? Curator: The directness of the charcoal, applied to paper, speaks volumes about Morris's process. He was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing handcraft over industrial production. This drawing exemplifies that ethos. How does the subject matter relate to his other work? Editor: I guess it shows his interest in rural life, like in his textile designs. Curator: Exactly. We see a deliberate choice to depict agrarian life. Consider the labor involved in creating this image versus the mass-produced goods he critiqued. It makes you think about value, doesn't it? Editor: It really does. I never thought about landscape as a commentary on industrialization. Thanks!