Brading Harbour, Isle of Wight, engraved by E. Finden 1836

Editor: This is "Brading Harbour, Isle of Wight," engraved by E. Finden after Clarkson Stanfield. I’m struck by the detail of the landscape. What stands out to you? Curator: The focus on topography is quite telling. Consider the labor involved in shaping this landscape, the very act of engraving emphasizing a certain control over the natural world. How does the process of reproduction, the making of this print, reflect the commodification of such views for consumption? Editor: So it's about controlling and selling nature? Curator: Precisely! The material process of engraving itself becomes a form of claiming and distributing this particular vision. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it. It’s more than just a pretty picture.