Houses in a Village 1765

Curator: Let’s consider this watercolor, "Houses in a Village," by John Inigo Richards, dating from the late 18th century. It’s a modest-sized piece, under 15 by 23 centimeters. Editor: Immediately striking is the muted palette, almost monochromatic. It feels like a glimpse into a forgotten place, all rendered in washes of umber and blue. What kind of labor went into constructing such a scene? Curator: Richards was a landscape painter, very active in the theatre scene, designing sets. He catered to the elite, so this village scene likely reflects idealized notions of rural life for urban consumption. Editor: The sketch-like quality emphasizes the physical act of recording. Watercolor was relatively affordable, allowing Richards to produce these idyllic scenes more efficiently for the market. Curator: I'm left thinking about how art shapes perceptions of place and class. Editor: And how material conditions influence artistic choices, even the choice of a watercolor wash.