Bray on Thames, sketch for N03487 

Editor: This is Peter De Wint's "Bray on Thames," a sketch from the Tate. It feels so serene. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines and the muted palette seems very intentional. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: The masterful rendering of light and its reflections upon the water's surface immediately arrests the eye. Notice how the artist uses layering to create a sense of depth. Do you observe the subtle gradations in tone that structure the composition and impart a feeling of tranquility? Editor: Yes, I see it now. The variations in the earth tones really do create the illusion of light and shadow. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, and it’s the subtle manipulation of these elements that elevates this sketch beyond a mere depiction of a landscape. It becomes an exploration of form itself.