Coast Near Boscastle, Cornwall c. 1878 - 1879

Curator: The scene before us is titled "Coast Near Boscastle, Cornwall" by William Trost Richards. Editor: It's evocative! The textures of the rock face seem so tangible, contrasting with the fluid washes of the sea. Curator: Richards, active primarily as a landscape painter, was deeply invested in capturing the specific geological formations he observed. His meticulous brushwork emphasizes the raw, unyielding nature of the Cornish coast. Editor: It reminds us of how land ownership and access to these coastal areas are deeply contested, particularly in light of tourism and environmental concerns. Who has the right to this vista? Curator: An important question. Richards's process—his application of paint to canvas—becomes a record of both observation and artistic intervention. He doesn't just depict, he constructs an image of the coast. Editor: The play of light and shadow almost romanticizes the scene, though it does not conceal the underlying struggle. Curator: Ultimately, it’s a beautiful reminder of how landscape is both material and deeply symbolic. Editor: Indeed. I am glad to have considered these intersecting realities.