The Curfew 1820

John Varley, a leading figure in the Old Watercolour Society, created "The Curfew" using watercolor to capture a serene, sweeping vista. His career unfolded during a time of great social change marked by the expansion of industrialization, urbanization and an emerging middle class with time for leisure. Here, a solitary figure sits atop a hill, overlooking a vast expanse of water and land, inviting contemplation. The title "The Curfew" suggests a moment of imposed stillness, a pause that might reflect the social restrictions of the time, or perhaps a deeper yearning for peace amidst change. Varley uses the landscape to express emotional states and explore the relationship between humans and nature. The subtle gradations of light and color create a dreamlike atmosphere that speaks to the Romantic era’s fascination with the sublime. With its expansive vista, this landscape gently invites us to reflect on our own place within the larger world.