View of the Mountains round Llyn Ogwen, Looking North West c. 1786 - 1800

Curator: This is Philip James De Loutherbourg's "View of the Mountains round Llyn Ogwen, Looking North West." It’s a delicate sketch, likely from the late 18th century. Editor: It's so fragile, almost a whisper of a landscape. It feels immediate, like a fleeting impression captured in the mountains. Curator: De Loutherbourg was fascinated by dramatic landscapes, a theatrical approach evident in his paintings and stage designs, as well as pieces like this. Editor: You can almost feel the chill wind coming off those peaks, even rendered so minimally. It's a raw, elemental energy. Curator: Indeed, the sketch shows his eye for composition, even in such a small format. The Tate holds this one, which shows the artist’s skill. Editor: It reminds me that even the grandest vistas start with the simplest of lines, a testament to the power of suggestion, don't you think? Curator: Precisely. It reveals the artist's intimate connection with nature and how he processed it. Editor: It makes me want to hike!