Isis c. 19th century

Curator: This is William Say's "Isis." I’m struck by how the sepia tones create an immediate sense of nostalgia. Editor: It feels like a dreamscape, but also controlled, a carefully constructed vision of nature. What do you see in the material process? Curator: Well, Say, who lived from 1768 to 1834, was known for his mezzotints. This printmaking technique, involving roughening the plate to hold ink, allowed for such subtle gradations of tone. Look at the textures in the foliage; he really pushed the medium. Editor: And how does that medium inform the message? The ruins, that broken frieze…it speaks to the rise and fall of civilizations, perhaps a commentary on British imperial ambitions? Curator: Certainly, that romantic engagement with ruins, with the weight of history, was fashionable. The materiality of the print allows that to come through. Editor: I’m left contemplating the ways we project ourselves and our histories onto the landscape. Curator: A fitting way to sum up the piece. Thanks for your insights.