Two Sketches of a Ship at Sea, for "Ship in a Squall" 1829 - 1835

Editor: Here we have Washington Allston's "Two Sketches of a Ship at Sea, for 'Ship in a Squall'," a graphite work. The paper itself seems so delicate. How does the medium contribute to the reading of this work? Curator: The rapid graphite marks tell us about the immediate, physical act of sketching, a direct record of the artist wrestling with representing a squall. Consider how this process, driven by material constraints and the need for speed, informs the final "Ship in a Squall." Editor: So, it's less about the final image and more about the artist's process? Curator: Precisely. It reveals Allston’s engagement with the materiality of art-making, and offers insight into the labor that underlies even seemingly spontaneous depictions of nature. We see the decisions that shaped his vision. Editor: That really changes how I view sketches; it's fascinating to think about the labor involved. Curator: Indeed, it underscores the importance of considering the means of production in understanding art.