Drawing of Eliza Doolittle, a character from George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion" 

Curator: We're looking at a drawing by George Luks, identified as "Drawing of Eliza Doolittle, a character from George Bernard Shaw's play 'Pygmalion.'" It appears to be executed in pencil. Editor: Oh, she’s got a real glint in her eye, doesn’t she? Cheeky! Like she’s about to pull some magnificent prank. There's a playful looseness to the lines, especially her coat, all suggestions and possibilities, which totally fits her spirit. Curator: Luks was associated with the Ashcan School, a movement that often depicted everyday life, particularly in urban settings, focusing on the working class. "Pygmalion", and later "My Fair Lady," explores themes of social mobility and class distinctions, mirroring those interests. Editor: And she just owns that hat! She probably pinched it from someone. Or maybe she’s trying on a whole new version of herself. Is it me or is that drawing style almost a dare – a challenge to see her humanity even within these few scribbles? Curator: It’s interesting you say that. Eliza Doolittle’s character embodies transformation, the tension between her original identity and her acquired persona. Luks captures something essential in that gaze—the determination, but also the vulnerability. And that red around the neck—it’s almost like the tension about to boil over! Editor: Exactly! It's a gorgeous rebellion in plain sight! All of it is done so playfully, not at all in a judgemental or patronizing way, either. Luks has so much empathy here! He doesn't flatten her out or anything! He makes her alive! Curator: Considering the period's social constraints around women and class, the work certainly challenges viewers to confront preconceived notions and embrace fluidity in identity. Editor: So next time I need an attitude adjustment, I'll pop down here! But this reminds me to look for little glimmers of that daring transformation within everyone and everything. Curator: Indeed. The drawing presents Eliza not just as a character but as a symbol of possibility, continuously shaped by circumstances and her own will. It reminds us that identity is a negotiation, a performance, and perhaps, a grand, beautiful improvisation.