Landscape with Storm Clouds c. 1795

Curator: There's a distinct sense of foreboding in this sketch, a pastel work by Thomas Kerrich, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, now held at the Tate. Editor: The looming clouds, dominating the tiny structure below, definitely create that effect. I wonder about their symbolic weight—are they simply clouds, or something more allegorical? Curator: Clouds often represent transitions, change, even divine power in art. Perhaps Kerrich uses them to evoke the sublime, a popular concept at the time, tapping into the awe and terror of nature. Editor: I find it intriguing how such a small piece, barely larger than a postcard, can conjure such vastness. It reflects a growing interest in the natural world and its representation during that era, certainly. Curator: Exactly. Consider the period—enlightenment ideas about nature, and the artist's role in capturing its essence—all come to bear here. Editor: Seeing how art grapples with environmental anxieties, even centuries ago, gives me a fresh perspective.