Illustration for "Barbara Allen:" At Sick Bed 1887

Editor: So, this is Edwin Austin Abbey's "Illustration for 'Barbara Allen:' At Sick Bed." It's a drawing, but undated. It feels very Victorian melodramatic, doesn’t it? What's your take on it? Curator: Oh, absolutely! I see a potent scene of sorrow. Notice how Abbey uses stark lines to create such a somber mood. The canopy bed feels almost coffin-like. Editor: Coffin-like, wow. I hadn't considered that. Curator: And the woman standing, holding flowers? Is she offering condolences, or perhaps something more symbolic? It feels ripe with narrative, doesn’t it? Editor: It does make you wonder what’s happening just outside the frame. Thanks, I’ll definitely be looking at Abbey differently. Curator: My pleasure. Art is just like that; constantly changing our perspectives.