The Artist’s Mother c. 1791

Editor: So, here we have John Opie's portrait, titled simply "The Artist's Mother." It's an intimate portrayal, but there’s something a bit melancholic in her gaze. What do you see in this piece beyond just a mother-son connection? Curator: It's more than meets the eye, isn't it? I see a life etched onto her face, resilience perhaps, but also a hint of the burdens she carried. The stark lighting draws our eye to her hands, suggesting a life of labor and unwavering support. Doesn’t it make you wonder what stories those hands could tell? Editor: Absolutely. There's a whole untold narrative within this painting! Thanks for that perspective. Curator: My pleasure, I learned so much too!