16. An Extensive Country, with No Predominant Part or Object. The Horizon above the Bottom of the View 

Curator: Alexander Cozens created this print, “16. An Extensive Country, with No Predominant Part or Object. The Horizon above the Bottom of the View,” sometime in the 18th century. Editor: It’s striking. The heavy ink feels almost violently applied, especially in contrast with the title’s suggestion of placidity. Curator: Cozens was interested in the sublime, and I think the lack of clear focal point is key. It reflects the vastness and indifference of nature, a popular concept at the time. Editor: Right. The crude marks suggest the chaotic nature of matter itself. It challenges established academic methods by embracing a kind of material rawness. Curator: Absolutely, and its availability as a print meant these ideas about the sublime were accessible to a broader audience, shaping public taste. Editor: The process itself becomes part of the message. It's not just about *representing* a landscape, but about *making* one. Curator: I think understanding how Cozens used printmaking to democratize these ideas enriches our viewing experience. Editor: Indeed. It's fascinating to consider the material choices and how they intertwine with social and aesthetic values.