The Rivers of England (‘River Scenery’): Ripon Minster on the Rivers Ure and Skell, engraved by T. Lupton 1825

Curator: This is "The Rivers of England (‘River Scenery’): Ripon Minster on the Rivers Ure and Skell," an engraving by T. Lupton, after Thomas Girtin. Girtin died very young, around 1802. Editor: Ooh, moody. Those skies feel incredibly oppressive, almost like the cathedral is holding them up, or about to be swallowed by them. Curator: Well, the subject, Ripon Minster, would have held significant social and religious importance. Picturesque landscapes like this also became symbols of national identity in the period. Editor: It's interesting how the sky dominates the whole scene. Like nature is far more powerful than anything humans can build. Makes you think about our place in the world. Curator: Indeed. The sublime was very much in vogue. I wonder if Girtin was purposefully commenting on the Church's power by contrasting its physical presence with the vastness of nature. Editor: Maybe. Or maybe it just makes for a good picture. It's a great visual metaphor for inner turmoil, too. Anyway, I feel like visiting Ripon now. Curator: A visit to Ripon Minster to contemplate this image would certainly be worthwhile.