Tree Study 

Curator: Richard Wilson's "Tree Study," held within the Tate Collections, presents a delicate sketch rendered on a support of 165 by 130 mm. Editor: It has such a quiet, almost melancholic feel. The light pencil strokes give it a sense of transience. Curator: Wilson was deeply influenced by the Italian landscape, and this sketch, though simple, echoes the classical ideals he absorbed. Trees, of course, are often symbols of growth, resilience and the passage of time. Editor: Absolutely. In the 18th century, the tree symbolized the sublime, nature's untamed power. But here, Wilson's tree seems domesticated, observed, and perhaps slightly tamed. Curator: A keen observation. This study perhaps showcases the burgeoning public fascination with nature that Wilson helped to cultivate. Editor: Thinking about how we frame nature, and how we perceive it, is fascinating. It is more than just a study of a tree, isn’t it? Curator: Indeed. It’s a glimpse into the artistic mind shaping the natural world for a wider audience.