Shakespeare Cliff, Dover 1816

Editor: This is Samuel Owen's "Shakespeare Cliff, Dover," created sometime around the early 19th century. It's a print, and I'm struck by how much activity Owen captures in such a small image. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see the labor inherent in coastal life. The printmaking process itself, with its reliance on skilled artisans and the division of labor, mirrors the activities depicted. Notice the figures hauling nets – their toil is directly linked to the materials they extract from the sea. It speaks volumes about production and consumption in that era. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the parallels between the creation of the artwork and the scene it depicts. Curator: Exactly! And consider the paper itself, its sourcing, and its value in the early 19th century. Everything is interconnected. Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure. It is all about materiality, isn’t it?