St Mary’s, Oxford Possibly 1909

Curator: Alfred William Rich’s watercolor, "St Mary’s, Oxford," presents a facade veiled in foliage. It's all very muted, almost fading. Editor: There's a kind of quiet grandeur, a hushed reverence suggested by the grayed tones and delicate washes. It feels like a memory. Curator: Indeed. Note how Rich articulates the architectural details with economical linework, prioritizing atmospheric effect over precise representation. The limited palette enhances this sense of transience. Editor: True. It's not just a building; it's about the light on the stone, the way the seasons soften the edges of history. Curator: Precisely. The structure is rendered with loose washes that give it a porous quality, while the vegetation offers dark accents in the composition. Editor: For me, this piece is about time—the way it wears down stone, how nature reclaims what's built. Curator: An astute observation. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a reminder that even the most imposing structures are subject to the relentless passage of time.