Studies of Rabbits 1883

Curator: I see a field of bunnies, all rendered with such delicate pencil strokes. It's quite charming. Editor: Indeed. This is "Studies of Rabbits," a pencil drawing by Sir Francis Seymour Haden. He was active during the 19th century. Curator: Given the period, I wonder about the social context. Rabbits often symbolize fertility, but also vulnerability. Is this commentary on societal roles assigned to women? Editor: Perhaps. Or maybe it's simply an animal study, focusing on form and the material presence of the paper and pencil. Curator: Fair enough. Still, the act of sketching itself can be viewed as an embodied performance, reflecting power dynamics... Editor: Well, whichever it is, I appreciate the simplicity and the artist's choice of medium to capture these creatures. Curator: It’s certainly a piece that invites multiple readings, which is always welcome. Editor: Agreed. It leaves us with more to consider than one might expect.