Three Horses on a Riverbank c. 18th century

Editor: This is Samuel Howitt's "Three Horses on a Riverbank". It's monochrome, and the scene feels so tranquil. What do you see in this piece, that I might be missing? Curator: Well, I see a conversation about nature and domesticity. Howitt's rendering feels both observed and imagined, a dance between wildness and pastoral idylls. It reminds me of childhood stories. Don’t you think there's a gentleness to it? Editor: Yes, definitely gentle. I love how detailed the foliage is. It gives the work so much depth. Curator: Indeed! It’s as if Howitt wants us to linger in this peaceful moment, to breathe in the fresh air and listen to the gentle murmur of the water. Editor: I'll certainly look at art about animals differently from now on.