Castle of Falaise. North View 1822

Editor: This is John Sell Cotman's "Castle of Falaise, North View," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It seems to be a print of some kind. What really strikes me is how the texture of the stone is emphasized. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Well, look at the way Cotman depicts the stone itself. The labor involved in quarrying, transporting, and shaping such monumental blocks. This wasn't just about aesthetic representation; it reflects the social and economic power structures embedded in building such a castle. Editor: So, it's not just about the castle's history, but also the history of its construction? Curator: Precisely. Consider the societal cost involved in constructing this behemoth. It makes you think about power, labor, and the very foundations of society, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely gives me a new perspective on landscape art. Thanks!