Sketch for ‘Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy’ 1828

Editor: This is John Varley’s sketch for ‘Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy’, housed at the Tate. It's interesting to see these classical heads, almost like Roman sculptures, paired with zodiac signs. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: This work prompts us to consider how systems like astrology have historically been used to categorize and essentialize human characteristics, particularly impacting how gender and identity are constructed and reinforced. How might these classical ideals perpetuate certain power dynamics? Editor: That's thought-provoking, how the zodiac signs reinforce those power dynamics. Thank you for sharing. Curator: Absolutely, it's crucial to continuously question the narratives these images create.