Croyland Abbey, engraved by B. Howlett Possibly 1797

Editor: This engraving by B. Howlett, after a sketch by Thomas Girtin, depicts Croyland Abbey. The scene has a melancholic feel. What can you tell me about its historical context and the role of such images in the public sphere? Curator: This image participates in a long tradition of representing ruins, which gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. How do you think the rise of nationalism and the decline of religious authority influenced the public's interest in such scenes? Editor: I hadn't considered nationalism playing a role here! So, these images may have evoked a sense of national pride tied to a romanticized past? Curator: Precisely. And with the decline of the church's power, the ruins became symbols of a bygone era, open to interpretation and even nostalgia. Images like these shaped public perception. Editor: This makes me consider how the printing press contributed to this public perception. I’ll remember to investigate this further. Thanks!