[title not known] 

Curator: Here we have an intriguing sepia drawing attributed to Lady Wharncliffe, dating from around the late 18th or early 19th century. It's currently held in the Tate collection. Editor: The tonality gives it a soft, ethereal feel. The composition with Venus and the cherubs creates an impression of classical grace. Curator: Indeed, note the materiality—the subtle washes and delicate line work. I suspect it was intended as a design for either a larger painting or even a decorative scheme. Editor: I wonder about the pigments used. Sepia, derived from squid ink, was commercially available at the time and favored for its warm monochrome effect. What would Wharncliffe's access have been like to this? Curator: Her position undoubtedly granted access to various materials and instruction. The allegorical grouping suggests the prevailing artistic conventions of the period. Editor: Thinking of the social contexts of the day, this type of drawing and others like it reflects a market for classically themed drawing as an artform accessible to women in that period. Curator: Ultimately, though, it’s the play of line and form that truly captivates. Editor: I agree. Seeing the mark of the hand involved adds an important human element to this artwork.