Ferry c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Ferry" by Edward Goodall, and it depicts a river scene. I'm struck by the way the light and shadow create such a detailed landscape. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: Well, the engraving process itself, allowing for mass reproduction, makes it important. How does the image of rural life, with its implications of nature and labor, relate to the art market and rising urban centers of the time? Editor: So, it's not just about the scene, but also about how it was consumed? Curator: Precisely. This image provided a vision of England that was increasingly idealized as industrialization progressed. What do you think that ideal looks like in this image? Editor: I see! The print offers a romanticized view of pastoral life. I hadn't considered that before. Curator: It's fascinating to consider the forces at play when we look at this image and how it operates in the public sphere.