Otter c. 18th century

Editor: So, this is "Otter" by Samuel Howitt. It's hard to place the date, but the printmaking really captures a sense of nature, even in monochrome. The texture of the fur and the rock is amazing. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Consider the formal arrangement, the relationship between light and shadow, and how Howitt uses line to define form. The contrast between the dense foliage and the smooth water creates a dynamic tension, doesn't it? Editor: It does! It's all about contrasts: dark/light, smooth/rough. It's more than just a picture of an otter. Curator: Precisely. Howitt's skillful manipulation of these formal elements transforms the subject into a compelling visual experience. It's all about the relationship between the elements. Editor: I see that now. It's less about what it is, and more about how it's presented.