Perched upon a bust of Pallas 

Editor: This drawing is by Gustave Dore, titled "Perched Upon a Bust of Pallas." It looks like it’s done with charcoal and graphite. I find the image very haunting; the statue seems to be emerging from the darkness. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: What strikes me is the layering of symbolism, especially when considering the era this was likely created. Pallas, or Athena, embodies wisdom and strategic warfare, typically represented as feminine ideals co-opted to serve patriarchal structures. But then consider the raven perched atop. Is it a symbol of ill omen, drawing from the context of Poe’s poem? Editor: Possibly. I also notice that it is hard to place the artwork, the context of the statue is obscured. Curator: Exactly. The setting is vague and dreamlike. This blurring could be interpreted as a critique of power. The raven, a symbol often linked with prophecy, knowledge, and sometimes, social commentary, silently observes this venerated bust, and maybe, the societal structures it represents. Could it be suggesting that these "virtues" are built upon something unstable or even ominous? Think of the turbulent social changes happening at the time. Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn't considered the potential instability Dore might be hinting at. So, you’re suggesting that Dore is using these classical and literary references to make a statement about his own time? Curator: Precisely. The combination of these figures—Athena, a symbol of institutional strength, combined with the raven – could act as a call to re-evaluate these classical ideals, and question the systems that uphold them. Is this system really upholding the population or merely perched precariously above? Editor: I see what you mean. I initially saw it as a gothic image, but now, I can see layers of social commentary that add a whole new dimension. Curator: Right? These older pieces continue to speak to the cultural conversation.