The Turn of the Tide 

Editor: This is John Duncan’s painting, “The Turn of the Tide”. It’s an oil painting. It has a very tranquil feel to it, but also feels melancholic. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I think you've hit on some key aspects. Given the historical context of symbolism, particularly its Scottish variant, and its presentation as an idealized figure amidst a landscape, it begs the question of what ‘tide’ is turning? Is it personal, societal, political? Is the figure meant to represent hope or despair? Editor: That's interesting. The ‘tide’ as a political symbol – I hadn't thought of that. Curator: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nationalism, particularly Scottish nationalism. So, is this a statement on Scotland’s position? Symbolism often provided a veiled way to comment on sociopolitical issues. Duncan was exhibiting within a community of artists in Edinburgh invested in Scottish culture. Knowing that shapes our understanding, doesn't it? Editor: It certainly does! And her dress, it’s not really contemporary with that time, is it? Curator: No, not at all. Think about why artists reach to other moments to explore their cultural beliefs. What is he trying to recapture from another period? It adds another layer of complexity, wouldn't you say? Editor: Yes, it adds another layer of meaning for me to explore. Thanks, that really changed how I see the artwork. Curator: The beauty of art history is it makes us more sensitive viewers.