Lago Maggiore, No. 8 1781

Editor: This is Francis Towne's "Lago Maggiore, No. 8," a watercolor on paper. The monochromatic palette is so striking. What can you tell me about the materials and process? Curator: Towne's choice of watercolor and his precise application reflect a specific labor. The limited tonal range, achieved through controlled washes, speaks to artistic restraint, possibly driven by the cost of pigments or even a stylistic choice reflecting the printmaking techniques of the era and its reproduction potential. It suggests a specific mode of production. Editor: That's fascinating, how the social context might shape the artistic choices. I never considered the cost of materials. Curator: Indeed, considering such factors encourages us to question traditional hierarchies of art and craft, by revealing the materiality inherent in even the most "sublime" landscapes.