Portrait of Sir John Rothenstein C.B.E. 1938

Curator: This is Sir William Rothenstein’s "Portrait of Sir John Rothenstein C.B.E." held in the Tate Collection; the support measures 762 by 495mm. Editor: It feels very still and contemplative, doesn't it? He's so engrossed in whatever he's holding. Is that a letter or a manuscript? Curator: Actually, it appears to be a book and a pen. It's fascinating how Rothenstein, himself a prominent figure in the art world, depicts his son, also a director of the Tate. Editor: Makes you wonder about their relationship, doesn't it? Or perhaps about the weight of legacy and expectation in the art world. It has this beautifully understated quality, almost shy. Curator: The production process is quite interesting when we look at it through a materialist lens. The visible brushstrokes, the texture of the paint... it speaks to the labour involved in creating the image, and the status of the sitter. Editor: Yes, and capturing that quiet moment, it's lovely. I find myself wondering what the portrait meant to them, both father and son. Curator: Considering the social context, it is a profound visual document. Editor: Absolutely, thank you for pointing that out. It’s all very touching, isn’t it? A father capturing a son, the passing of time and tradition...