[title not known] Possibly 1843

Curator: This wood engraving presents the Virgin Mary with two children; it’s by John Linnell, who lived from 1792 to 1882, and is part of the Tate collection. Editor: The stark black and white creates an intense, almost haunting, atmosphere. It feels both intimate and remote. Curator: Consider the historical context. Linnell moved within circles that critiqued societal power structures. How might this image challenge or uphold prevailing religious representations of motherhood and childhood? Editor: The figures' averted gazes contribute to the overall feeling of piety, or perhaps quiet contemplation. It certainly aligns with established iconography of maternal figures. Curator: Perhaps. Yet, the very act of depicting the Virgin Mary in such a simplified style could be seen as a radical departure from the ornate religious art of the time. Editor: True. Ultimately, this work offers a compelling window into the visual language of faith and family. Curator: Indeed, exploring the interplay between tradition and individual expression.