The Paraplegic 1970 - 1971

Editor: Here we have Claude Rogers' painting, "The Paraplegic," undated but residing in the Tate collection. The impasto brushstrokes and limited palette give it a rather somber mood. What social context informs Rogers' portrayal of disability here? Curator: Well, consider the time. While undated, Rogers painted during and after periods of significant social upheaval and wartime injuries. The painting’s setting—likely a hospital—speaks to the institutionalization of care and the evolving public perception of disability. What do you make of the nurses' downcast eyes? Editor: It makes me think about how disability was viewed at the time, as something to be handled with care but not necessarily integrated into society. So, it's not just a medical depiction but a social commentary? Curator: Precisely. Rogers captures a moment laden with societal attitudes, visible in the composition itself and in the figures' interactions. It prompts us to reflect on the public role of art in shaping empathy and understanding. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding the painting's power and its place in history. Curator: Indeed. And consider how this artwork continues to be displayed, inviting ongoing dialogue about care and representation.