View of Erith Looking up the Thames c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have John Boydell's "View of Erith Looking up the Thames". It captures a serene riverside scene, though the precise date of creation is unknown. Editor: It feels quite tranquil, doesn’t it? The way the light reflects off the water, and all those boats – what materials did Boydell use? Curator: As a printmaker and publisher, Boydell would have utilized etching or engraving techniques, likely with watercolor washes. It speaks to the commercial printmaking practices of the time. How did the rise of printmaking impact accessibility of art and social discourse? Editor: The labor involved in creating and distributing these prints also reveals a wider network of artisans and merchants facilitating art consumption. These prints disseminated an idyllic vision that papered over the laboring classes. Curator: Exactly. The print allows us to consider the socio-economic stratification of the era, and how this vision of Erith might have obscured the realities of those who lived and worked there. Editor: Thinking about the materiality and the historical context really enriches our appreciation. Curator: Indeed. This image is now more than just a pretty picture; it is a lens into a past society.