Edinburgh Castle 

Curator: This is Paul Sandby's "Edinburgh Castle," a watercolor capturing the fortress as it stood, likely, in the late 18th century. Editor: I find it remarkably serene, despite the subject. The soft colors and the way the light plays across the landscape, it feels almost pastoral. Curator: Sandby played a key role in the rise of watercolor painting in Britain, and scenes like this appealed to the growing taste for picturesque views. Edinburgh Castle became a popular symbol of Scottish identity, particularly as Scotland sought to define itself within the British Empire. Editor: Look at how the castle dominates the horizon, a stony crown. It speaks of power, yes, but also resilience, endurance. It's a potent symbol. Curator: Absolutely. And Sandby's choice to include the everyday figures in the foreground gives a sense of scale, while also grounding the castle in the contemporary social landscape. Editor: It's a reminder that even the most imposing symbols exist within a lived reality. A beautiful interplay of national identity and quiet observation.