Rome from the North 

Curator: William Marlow, born in 1740, created this delicate pencil drawing, "Rome from the North." It's currently held at the Tate. Editor: It feels airy, almost ethereal. The cityscape is distant, framed by the natural landscape. The execution has a light, sketch-like quality that doesn't feel labored. Curator: Marlow's technique highlights the materiality of the pencil itself, the way it interacts with the paper. One can imagine him, en plein air, recording his impressions directly. Editor: Absolutely, and considering Rome's complex history of power and imperialism, this tranquil depiction perhaps offers a commentary on the city’s evolving role, especially viewed through the lens of the Grand Tour. Curator: The composition's understated nature perhaps reveals a shift in artistic sensibilities, towards a more personal engagement with the landscape. Editor: It definitely offers a nuanced perspective, moving beyond grand pronouncements to capture a quieter, more intimate moment. Curator: A glimpse into the working processes of 18th-century artists, and their intimate engagements with place. Editor: A peaceful reminder that even grand cities can be viewed with a quiet, thoughtful gaze.