[title not known] c. 1789

Editor: Here we have an undated drawing by Joseph Farington in the Tate collections, a simple architectural sketch rendered in graphite. It feels so preliminary and light. What do you see in the tonal range and the composition? Curator: The composition presents a compelling study in contrasts. Note the juxtaposition of the solid architectural form on the left against the ethereal, almost spectral rendering of the landscape to the right. How does this division affect your reading of the work? Editor: I see how the solid and the spectral create a sort of dialogue... it almost feels like a ruin, solid and crumbling. Curator: Precisely. Observe the deliberate lack of sharp definition. Farington emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, creating a spatial ambiguity. Editor: So it's less about documenting a place, and more about exploring form and light. Curator: Precisely, and about surface. Consider the way he allows the texture of the paper to contribute to the overall effect. The materiality is integral to the work’s expressive power. Editor: I hadn't thought about that before. It definitely changes my perspective.