An Anchor 

Editor: Here we have Cornelius Varley's drawing, "An Anchor." It's quite striking, the texture of the wood and rope are so well rendered. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the labor involved in producing an anchor, sourcing raw materials, forging the metal, and the ropemaking. The final assembly and placement on a boat shows a human interaction with nature. What does the image suggest about the relationship between material production and artistic creation? Editor: So, it's less about the object itself and more about the process behind it? Curator: Exactly. It invites us to think about the social and economic implications of something as seemingly simple as an anchor. Editor: I never considered all those layers before. Curator: It's about appreciating the art of making.