Pilatus 

Curator: Here we have Thomas Sunderland’s "Pilatus," a watercolor from the Tate's collection. It captures a view of the iconic Swiss mountain. Editor: It’s so muted, almost monochromatic. You can feel the grain of the paper; the washes are very thinly applied. Curator: Sunderland’s work reflects the picturesque movement, idealizing landscapes and rural life. Consider how tourism was transforming perceptions of nature. Editor: The way he renders the mountain with simple strokes implies a fast process. Was this produced for a specific market, appealing to traveling consumers? Curator: Absolutely, these pieces became popular souvenirs for those on the Grand Tour, acting as portable mementos and status symbols. Editor: Examining the material constraints and the social purpose informs our understanding of what constitutes "art." Curator: Indeed. It moves us to think about art beyond aesthetics and toward cultural production. Editor: A view with a view of art.