Sheep Resting on a Hill c. 18th century

Editor: This is Samuel Howitt’s “Sheep Resting on a Hill.” I’m struck by the textures created through the etching, especially in the wool and the rough ground. What can we say about its creation? Curator: Consider the materiality of the print. Howitt's choice of etching, a process enabling reproducible images, speaks to the increasing commodification of art in the late 18th century. These weren't unique paintings; they were goods. Editor: So, the means of production really change how we view it? Curator: Precisely. These images catered to a growing market interested in picturesque scenes, reflecting a shift in land use and agricultural practices as commodities. Editor: It’s interesting to consider that this serene image has a connection to economics. Curator: It’s a reminder that art is always tied to its means of production and consumption.