A River beyond a Wooded Cliff to Right 

Editor: This is Alexander Cozens’ "A River beyond a Wooded Cliff to Right," an undated ink on paper work from the Tate. I’m struck by its rather turbulent energy. How do you read this landscape? Curator: It's interesting to consider Cozens' work within the context of the Picturesque movement. Think about how these idealized landscapes often served to reinforce existing power structures. Who had access to these scenic views, and who was excluded? How does this lens shift our understanding of this seemingly innocent scene? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered how access to landscapes could be political. Curator: Landscape, then and now, isn’t just scenery; it's a site of cultural and political contestation. Understanding that helps us unpack even the most unassuming images. Editor: I will definitely look at landscape art differently now. Thank you.