Portfolio Cover for Twelve Views in Wales 1776

Editor: This is the portfolio cover for "Twelve Views in Wales" dating back to 1776, crafted by Paul Sandby. It looks like it's a mixed-media drawing and print on paper. There's a quiet sort of elegance in its simplicity... What strikes you most about it? Curator: Funny, isn't it, how something so… restrained can hold so much potential? This cover whispers of the Romantic era's fascination with the British landscape, and Wales in particular. I imagine Sandby meticulously selecting the paper, the binding. The texture, slightly distressed with age, hinting at countless hands that might have leafed through its contents. It's the art equivalent of a well-worn leather journal filled with secrets, don’t you think? Do you feel any sense of journey from just this cover? Editor: I do, actually. I hadn't considered the texture as contributing to the overall impression, but you're right – it feels like it's been handled and loved. So, it's not just about what *was* in the portfolio, but about its *history*? Curator: Precisely. This unassuming cover isn’t merely protective; it's an invitation. Sandby, known for his landscapes, must have wanted to create anticipation, a longing for the picturesque within. You almost feel like you could stick your finger through the loop to lift it open. Also, that minimal colour palette speaks volumes doesn’t it? Brown with a very dark accent; natural pigments. What do you think about this palette, and how would you relate it to landscapes? Editor: I like that; I was definitely underestimating its significance. I mean, I understand there’s probably a certain historical and cultural significance here I did not quite grasp...I also appreciate your mentioning the anticipation. I’ll definitely keep this in mind moving forward! Curator: Ah, glad to hear it! Next time you approach art always let your gut tell you what to see!