Honister Crag c. 18th century

Editor: This is Samuel Middiman's "Honister Crag," it's an engraving, and it feels so imposing. That rock formation just dominates the scene. What strikes you about this work? Curator: I'm interested in how landscapes like this one helped construct ideas of British identity during a time of political upheaval. Think about the concept of the "picturesque" and who had access to these views. Editor: So, you're saying this isn't just a pretty picture? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the artist positions the viewer, and who is absent from the scene. Who is this landscape really for? It reflects very specific social and power dynamics. Editor: I never thought about it that way, I'm beginning to see how landscapes can tell a bigger story. Curator: Indeed. There is a dialogue between art history and contemporary theory that offers us a more nuanced understanding.