Ramsgate, engraved by J.C. Bentley 1836

Curator: This is "Ramsgate," an engraving by J.C. Bentley after Clarkson Stanfield, held here at the Tate. It captures a bustling scene on the harbor, dominated by a sturdy lighthouse. Editor: Right away, I’m struck by the energy, the human activity against the vastness of the sky and sea. You can almost hear the clang of the hammer. Curator: Precisely. Stanfield, as a marine painter, understood the importance of harbors in Britain’s maritime and economic power during the 19th century. Editor: It feels like more than just a harbor; it’s a stage, maybe even a painting about work itself. The lighthouse stands as a beacon—a symbol of progress and human resilience. Curator: These scenes of industrious activity were indeed part of a broader cultural narrative, reflecting Victorian values of hard work and national pride. Editor: I love how such a small print evokes such a big, almost heroic feeling about ordinary labor. It’s a powerful little piece.