Woodland Scene, Building on a Hill Above 

Curator: What a lovely, muted piece. It feels like a memory, fading gently at the edges. Editor: Indeed, this is "Woodland Scene, Building on a Hill Above," by William Taverner. Undated, but Taverner lived from 1700 to 1772, so we can situate its creation within that period. The watercolor on paper support measures roughly 234 by 365 millimeters. I wonder about Taverner's suppliers, where did he get his pigments and paper? Curator: It’s incredibly peaceful, this walk in the woods with a dog, and that little building perched on the hill adds a touch of mystery. It’s funny how such simple materials can evoke such a strong sense of quiet. Editor: The social context is so interesting here, the gentry taking in nature. It speaks to land ownership, leisure, and the very idea of a "picturesque" landscape being consumed. Curator: Absolutely! I find myself longing for that quiet. It invites you to step right in and breathe the air. Editor: A pastoral fantasy, for sure. Thanks for helping me consider Taverner’s watercolor more deeply. Curator: My pleasure. It was a lovely little escape.