The Squire’s Tale 1972

Editor: Dame Elisabeth Frink’s "The Squire's Tale" features a woman and a bird of prey. It feels very stark and a little haunting. What does this pairing evoke for you? Curator: Frink's work often explored themes of power, vulnerability, and the human condition, particularly in a postwar context. Consider the position of women during the time and the symbolism of the falcon - a bird often associated with nobility and hunting - held in check. What could that juxtaposition suggest about female agency? Editor: I hadn't thought about it in those terms, but it brings the work into focus. Curator: Precisely. By thinking about the intersection of gender, class, and historical power structures, we can unpack the print’s deeper meanings. Editor: Thank you. I see so much more now! Curator: Absolutely, a work that considers the many ways women have been represented and their roles.