Richmond Castle 1903

Editor: So, this is Philip Wilson Steer's "Richmond Castle," its date is unknown. It's oil on canvas, currently residing at the Tate. The stormy sky really dominates the scene. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The thick impasto application of paint is fascinating. Considering Steer's materials – the pigments, oils, and supports available at the time – how do they influence our perception of the castle as a symbol of power or ruin? What kind of labor went into making this painting? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't thought about the specific paints used. Are you suggesting that the materiality of the paint itself contributes to the feeling of decay? Curator: Precisely. The very substance becomes part of the story. Editor: I see, it’s more than just depicting a castle; the materials and their application are actively shaping our understanding of it. Curator: Exactly!