A Momentary Vision that Once Befell Young Millais 1916

Editor: So, this is Sir Max Beerbohm's "A Momentary Vision that Once Befell Young Millais," held at the Tate. It’s quite whimsical, almost like a faded memory. I'm curious about the dynamic here; what's your read on this peculiar scene? Curator: Peculiar indeed! It's a delicious jab at artistic inspiration, isn't it? Beerbohm, with his razor wit, positions Millais—already a celebrated artist—as being almost haunted by a fleeting vision. Do you notice how the older Millais seems oblivious, almost weighed down, while his younger self is seized by this… well, this rather startled sprite? Editor: That's such a great observation. So it's like Beerbohm is suggesting artistic inspiration is fleeting, maybe even a little absurd? Curator: Precisely! And consider the title—"A Momentary Vision." Inspiration strikes, young Millais is momentarily possessed, and then...poof! Gone. Leaving only the faintest impression on the canvas and the sitter. Makes you wonder what inspires *us*, doesn't it?