Elms 1850

Curator: This drawing is called "Elms" by James Duffield Harding. He made it sometime during his lifetime, between 1797 and 1863. Editor: It's delicate! The wispy quality reminds me of old botanical illustrations, but there's something almost dreamlike about it. Curator: Harding was known for his drawing manuals. These studies allowed amateur artists to learn to capture nature. Editor: It's interesting to think about how artistic skills were democratized like that. Were there ways this accessibility also reinforced existing power structures, by shaping taste, for example? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the role of these images in cultivating an appreciation for the English landscape, furthering specific notions of beauty and national identity. Editor: Right! Well, regardless, I find it amazing how much texture he creates with simple lines and shading. Curator: Indeed. It offers a glimpse into how art served both practical and aesthetic purposes in its time. Editor: Definitely makes you consider the power dynamics embedded even within seemingly innocent landscapes.