The Shores of Conanticut Island, Rhode Island c. 1882

Curator: William Trost Richards created this drawing, "The Shores of Conanicut Island, Rhode Island." It’s currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? Restless. The stark black ink creates such movement in the waves and the craggy rocks. Curator: It’s a masterclass in detail, isn't it? The way he captures the texture of the rocks versus the fluidity of the water, all with line work. Editor: Absolutely! I can almost smell the salt air and feel the spray. Curator: Richards had a lifelong fascination with coastal scenes. Perhaps it's about the constant push and pull of nature. Editor: I think it’s also about finding beauty in the mundane, a storm on the horizon. Richards elevates the ordinary. Curator: A truly evocative piece. Editor: I agree. Its simplicity speaks volumes.