Seascape 19th-20th century

Curator: Looking at William Trost Richards' pen and ink drawing, "Seascape," one senses a raw and immediate engagement with the natural world. Editor: It feels incredibly restless. Like the ocean and sky are both scribbled into existence, full of barely contained energy. Curator: Richards, active in the latter half of the 19th century, was deeply invested in capturing the sublime power of nature, often referencing the sociopolitical narratives connected to land and sea. This piece resonates with ideas around natural resources and romantic nationalism. Editor: I love how he's used just a simple pen to create such a sense of depth and movement. It's like a fleeting impression, almost a memory of the sea. Curator: Exactly. This small work, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, gives access to the late 19th century landscape. Editor: It makes me want to grab my sketchbook and find my own stormy shore. It's a call to feel the wildness, you know?