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Editor: This delicate drawing from the Tate collection is by Prince Hoare. It shows a woman with a basket of flowers. It feels very classical, almost theatrical, in its presentation. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The scale and costume suggest this might be a study for a theatrical production, perhaps a pastoral drama popular in Hoare's time. Costume design played a huge role in conveying social status and moral character on stage; how might this woman's dress and pose communicate her role? Editor: I guess the loose gown and the flowers could imply innocence, or a connection to nature? I hadn't thought of the theatrical context. Curator: Exactly. And considering the politics of representation at the time, the artist’s choices can be interpreted as either reinforcing or challenging the existing social order. I find that fascinating. Editor: I agree. It changes how I see the drawing completely.