Mill near Edgeware c. 19th century

Curator: David Cox's "Mill near Edgeware," presents such a tranquil scene. What strikes you first? Editor: The windmill, of course. It's a classic symbol of industry and rural life, almost a peaceful guardian overlooking the field. Curator: It's fascinating how Cox renders it, isn't it? The etching and sepia wash suggest a direct link to the means of production that shaped this landscape. Editor: I see that, but also a link to the pastoral ideal, the windmill signifying a connection to nature’s power. Curator: Indeed, the materiality of the print becomes part of the narrative about the transformation of the landscape. Editor: I appreciate the layers of meaning a single image can hold. Curator: It's a testament to the enduring power of simple tools. Editor: And the symbols they produce.