Sienese Hills 1956

Editor: So, this is Henry Inlander's "Sienese Hills" from the Tate. It's an oil painting, quite textured. It feels very barren and quiet, somehow. What do you see in its depiction of this landscape? Curator: I see a commentary on the constructed nature of landscape and its relationship with national identity. These hills, seemingly natural, have been shaped by centuries of agriculture and land management policies. The brushstrokes themselves become a form of socio-political mark-making. Does that resonate with your experience? Editor: I hadn't considered the "constructed" aspect, but that makes sense. It’s like he's showing the history layered into the land. Curator: Exactly. It makes us question the romanticized idea of the "natural" landscape, doesn't it? Editor: It certainly does. Thanks for that insight. Curator: My pleasure, I'm glad I could help.