A Huntsman Blowing his Horn in a Landscape 

Editor: Susanna Duncombe's "A Huntsman Blowing his Horn in a Landscape," is a delicate wash drawing. The landscape feels very staged, almost theatrical. What do you make of the social context surrounding a piece like this? Curator: It speaks to the gentry's idealization of rural life. Consider the performative aspect of hunting, the costumes, the rituals. It’s less about sustenance, more about reinforcing social hierarchy through leisure activities. Editor: So, the image isn't just about a man and his dog in nature? Curator: Not at all. Duncombe, as a female artist from that era, likely understood the nuanced politics of representation. This drawing, acquired by the Tate, becomes part of that story as well. Editor: That’s given me a lot to think about, thanks! Curator: Indeed, it showcases how art reflects and perpetuates cultural values.