River with Circular Temple, a Man Poling a Boat to Right 

Editor: Here we have Alexander Cozens's "River with Circular Temple, a Man Poling a Boat to Right," from the Tate Collections. I'm struck by how the composition is organized around these distinct masses of land and architecture. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The arrangement of forms is quite deliberate. Note how the circular temple and the craggy rocks create a visual dialogue. The artist uses tonal variations to define the shapes, emphasizing their individual character. How does this formal arrangement affect your reading of the artwork? Editor: It feels almost theatrical, like a stage set. The temple and the rocks are the main actors, and the river serves as the stage. Curator: Precisely. Consider the artist's technique, the washes of ink and the deliberate use of light and shadow, as tools to create depth. These elements contribute to a sense of drama. Editor: I see that now, how the washes build up those contrasts. I'll definitely pay more attention to the techniques used to create those effects. Curator: Indeed, close attention to the formal elements unveils a richer understanding of the artist's intent.