Seated Woman: Study for Saint Paul Preaching at Athens (Window, Columbia University) c. 1906

Curator: This drawing, by John La Farge, is titled "Seated Woman: Study for Saint Paul Preaching at Athens." It was a preparatory study for a stained-glass window at Columbia University. Editor: The figure is serene, almost melancholic. The drapery is beautifully rendered, but there’s an undeniable air of pensiveness, perhaps even resignation, in her posture and gaze. Curator: La Farge, active in the late 19th century, was deeply engaged with religious and mythological themes. His work frequently examined the role of women within these narratives, often challenging conventional representations. How might this figure be read through a lens of gendered power dynamics? Editor: Interesting. This could be a commentary on the limited roles afforded to women, even in religious contexts. The fact that she is seated, seemingly in contemplation, rather than actively participating, speaks volumes. Curator: Indeed. And the commission itself—a stained-glass window for an academic institution—underscores the complex interplay between art, patronage, and the dissemination of ideology. Editor: It reminds us that even seemingly simple sketches can be deeply embedded within broader cultural and political landscapes. Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective.