River, Bridge and Hills 

Editor: Here we have Alexander Cozens' "River, Bridge and Hills," a delicate ink wash drawing. It feels almost dreamlike, a landscape distilled to its essential forms. What symbols do you see embedded in this scene? Curator: The bridge, often a symbol of transition and connection, appears almost as a ruin, suggesting the passage of time and the impermanence of human structures against the backdrop of enduring nature. What emotional weight do you think Cozens intended to convey? Editor: Maybe a sense of romantic melancholy, a reflection on mortality. The rugged hills certainly add a layer of drama. Curator: Indeed. Consider how the river, a constant flow, contrasts with the static, looming hills. The river could symbolize life's journey, flowing through the fixed structures of the world. What does this pairing evoke for you? Editor: It really highlights the push and pull between the ephemeral and the eternal. I see it now! Curator: Precisely, and recognizing these repeating forms allows us to connect with the cultural memories embedded within the landscape tradition. Editor: It's like the landscape itself is a language. Thanks!