Study of a Tree 

Curator: This is Paul Sandby’s "Study of a Tree," held at the Tate. Editor: It feels like a fleeting moment, a wisp of observation captured with delicate lines. Curator: Indeed, the tree, rendered in graphite, seems to embody resilience, its lean echoing centuries of silent witness. Note its prominent positioning—almost anthropomorphic in its gentle sway. Editor: Yes, the artist uses a limited tonal range, creating a sense of quiet contemplation. The sketch's simplicity invites the viewer to supply detail, almost like a Rorschach test of landscape. Curator: Consider the tree as a symbol – its roots tethered to the earth, its branches reaching for enlightenment. Editor: Maybe it's just a really nice tree! Curator: Maybe so. It's certainly given me pause. Editor: For me too. A beautiful glimpse into Sandby's practice.