Dead Rising from Tombs 

Editor: Here we have "Dead Rising from Tombs" by Thomas Cole. It’s predominantly oil, and has a really somber and, dare I say, gothic feel. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It’s crucial to understand how Cole’s choice of oil paint contributes to this somber feeling you describe. Consider its properties: the slow drying time allowed him to build layers and create depth in the darkness. Editor: That makes sense. The figures draped in white really pop against that darkness, almost like… ghosts. Curator: Precisely. The materiality of those pigments is key. Were these colors readily available? Did the sourcing of the materials influence their cost and, in turn, who could afford such artistry? Consider the role of commerce. Editor: So, it wasn't just about *what* he was painting but *how* and with *what*. The socio-economics behind art materials? Curator: Exactly! Think about the brushes he used, the canvas preparation, the labour involved in grinding pigments. All these processes contributed to the final image and shaped its reception. Did he even prepare his own materials? Where did the resources to create such dark paints originate from? Editor: Wow, I never considered that before. Looking at art beyond just the image, but at the physical means of its creation. It puts a whole new spin on the experience. Curator: Indeed. By understanding the production and materiality, we unlock a deeper appreciation for the art and the society that produced it. Editor: That’s amazing, really. I'll definitely be thinking about the "how" of art much more from now on. Thank you!