‘T’is Innocence reposes here.’ 

Editor: Here we have John Flaxman's drawing, ‘T’is Innocence reposes here.’ I find the figures so dramatic, almost theatrical in their poses. What's your take on this work? Curator: Flaxman's neoclassical style often draws on mythology to explore contemporary social issues. Consider the title - what narratives of innocence and its potential violation do you see reflected in the figures and their relationships? Editor: I see the armored figure in both triumph and vulnerability. Maybe it's about the precariousness of innocence when confronted by power? Curator: Precisely. Flaxman uses classical themes to question the very structures of power and protection, perhaps critiquing societal expectations around gender and virtue. I wonder how we might connect this to contemporary conversations. Editor: It definitely gives me a lot to think about in terms of art as a social commentary. Curator: Indeed, a powerful reminder that art can be a critical mirror reflecting societal anxieties.