Two Ships on the Sea, a Hulk on the Shore 

Editor: Here we have William Henry Hunt's watercolor, "Two Ships on the Sea, a Hulk on the Shore." It feels…unfinished, almost like a quick sketch. What stands out to you about the materials and process? Curator: Notice how the translucence of the watercolor emphasizes the raw paper. How does the artist's choice of such a modest, readily available material influence our understanding of maritime labor and its representation? It's quite telling, isn't it? Editor: I see what you mean! It suggests a certain accessibility, perhaps a connection to the everyday life of those involved with the sea. Curator: Exactly. Considering the context of Hunt's time, this focus on the mundane elements prompts us to consider the broader social and economic underpinnings of artistic creation and subject matter. Editor: I hadn’t considered the social context so deeply. Thanks for pointing that out!