Figures on the Shore, looking out to Sea, Penmaen Beach, North Wales c. 19th century

Curator: Looking at this artwork, which is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, transports me to a blustery shore. David Cox painted "Figures on the Shore, looking out to Sea, Penmaen Beach, North Wales," and its dimensions are roughly 45 by 70 cm. Editor: It’s a dramatic scene, certainly. The figures feel so small against the immensity of the landscape. There's a sense of foreboding, almost romantic in its melancholy. Curator: I think you are onto something. David Cox was known for his emotionally charged landscapes. The figures could represent humanity's constant negotiation with nature. Editor: The clouds are so heavy, almost like judgment. Are they looking for something—a lost ship, perhaps a future yet to be determined? Curator: It's this potent blend of anticipation and isolation that makes the scene so lasting, don't you think? Editor: Precisely. It speaks to a larger human drama playing out on a very personal scale. It's a compelling piece.