St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, engraved by J. Stephenson 1836

Editor: Here we have Clarkson Stanfield's "St Michael's Mount, Cornwall," an engraving. The detail in the waves is just incredible. What stands out to you? Curator: The engraving process itself is fascinating. Consider the labor involved in creating such detail, using tools to physically carve away at a metal plate. Editor: So, the act of making becomes the focus? Curator: Exactly. It transcends just a pretty picture; it becomes about the process of production and the material transformation. How does that change your view? Editor: I see it now. It highlights the human effort and skill inherent in art. Curator: Precisely. The materiality of art and craft production becomes central to our understanding of the work.