Dimensions: support: 374 x 237 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This is Henry William Bunbury's "Four Figures. Caricature," made without a specific date. It’s a pretty strange drawing; the figures seem exaggerated and almost grotesque. What’s your interpretation of this work? Curator: Given Bunbury's era, the late 18th century, it's crucial to consider the sociopolitical context. Caricatures were often used to critique power and expose social follies. Do you see any clues in their expressions or attire that might suggest who is being satirized here? Editor: Well, their expressions are certainly…intense! I guess I hadn’t thought about the political implications of caricature before. Curator: Exactly! Think about how these distorted representations may have challenged prevailing notions of beauty, status, and authority. What have you learned? Editor: I see now that even seemingly simple drawings can offer powerful commentary on society.