Old Tower, Frankfort 1837

Editor: This watercolour painting is called "Old Tower, Frankfort" by Thomas Miles Richardson. It has a lovely, muted palette, giving the scene a rather dreamlike quality. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The artist’s command of perspective and atmospheric rendering is clear. Note how the tower dominates, its verticality emphasized against the horizontal planes of the buildings and figures. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume. Do you observe how the texture of the stone is achieved? Editor: Yes, it seems the washes create a soft, granular effect. I hadn't thought about the tower's height in relation to the rest of the scene before. Thank you. Curator: Indeed. And the careful blending of colours enhances the overall pictorial unity, drawing the eye upwards. The figures in the foreground add a sense of scale but do not detract from the architectural form. Editor: I see that now. I appreciate your insights.