Sundial c. 19th century

Editor: This delicate ink drawing, attributed to John Sell Cotman, depicts a sundial. It feels very much like a study. What underlying narratives are visible here? Curator: I think it speaks volumes about power and temporality. The sundial, a symbol of control over time, is situated within a carefully delineated space. Who has access to this garden, this knowledge? How does it reflect broader societal structures? Editor: That's a good point. It does feel quite exclusive. It's a very ordered and controlled image, isn't it? Curator: Exactly. And consider the social context of Cotman's time. The rise of industrialization, the anxieties surrounding changing social orders. Is this sundial a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era, a commentary on time's relentless march forward? Editor: I see what you mean. It adds another layer of meaning to the image. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Curator: It has been a pleasure.