Chestnut Trees, Morning. Frascati 

Editor: This is John Warwick Smith's "Chestnut Trees, Morning. Frascati," from the Tate Collections. It's a delicate wash drawing. The gnarled trees feel so alive, almost like they're breathing. What can you tell me about the materials and the process of making it? Curator: Notice how the wash drawing technique allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow. It speaks to the economic accessibility of the medium during that period. Consider how the artist's labor connects to the burgeoning art market of the late 18th century. Editor: So, the materials themselves tell a story about access and commerce? Curator: Precisely. The relatively inexpensive materials made art production more accessible, contributing to a growing market for picturesque landscape views among the rising middle class. Editor: That's fascinating. I never thought about the materials in that way before. Curator: Understanding the means of production is key. Now you can appreciate the artwork's place in its time.