The Boy of Egremont c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Edward Goodall's "The Boy of Egremont." The small figure seems lost in a vast landscape, almost swallowed by the moody hills. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Ah, yes. I see it as a wistful meditation on the fleeting nature of childhood, perhaps? The stark contrast of the boy against the immensity of nature hints at a certain vulnerability, doesn't it? Almost as if the world is too big for him just yet. What do you make of that distant castle? Editor: I hadn't considered the castle! It makes me wonder if it's a symbol of a future he's moving toward. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure. I think we both learned something new today!