Brutus and the Ghost of Julius Caesar; verso: Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery, after Rembrandt c. 18th century

Editor: This intriguing sketch by Joshua Reynolds, titled "Brutus and the Ghost of Julius Caesar," captures a rather tense scene. What symbols stand out to you in this work? Curator: Notice how Reynolds uses the ghost as a symbol of Brutus's inner turmoil. The ghost embodies guilt and the inescapable consequences of actions. How might the figure of Brutus exemplify ambition's dark side, considering the cultural memory of Caesar? Editor: It does seem like Brutus is haunted by more than just a ghost. It's like he's wrestling with his own conscience. Curator: Precisely! The image ties into a long history of representing moral and political conflict through such figures, a tradition Reynolds was clearly engaging with. It's fascinating how powerful these visual symbols remain across time. Editor: Definitely gives you a lot to think about!