[title not known] 

Editor: This drawing by George Chinnery shows a waterside scene; it’s undated, but likely from the early 19th century. The boats and architecture suggest a place in Asia. What can you tell us about the materials used to create this? Curator: The sepia wash and pen and ink reveal much about Chinnery’s process and the demands placed on artists operating in colonial contexts. Consider the availability of materials; he used what was portable and accessible. How do these limitations shape our understanding of artistic labor during this period? Editor: That's an interesting idea, it makes me look at the drawing differently. So, the choice of materials wasn't just artistic, but also practical? Curator: Precisely. It also raises questions about the intended audience and the market for such works. Was it intended for personal reflection or as a commodity within a colonial system? Editor: I see. By thinking about the materials, we also start to understand the artist’s world. Curator: Exactly! It re-frames our appreciation.