Stags 

Curator: Here we have "Stags" by Francis Barlow, a drawing currently held in the Tate collections. Editor: There's a real sense of stillness here, despite the intricate cross-hatching. The composition is quite striking, with the foreground deer dominating the frame and the background deer creating depth. Curator: The drawing's power lies in Barlow's mastery of line and form. Look at how he uses varying line weights to define the musculature and texture of the stags' coats. It’s almost sculptural. Editor: Barlow, a prominent illustrator, captured the pastoral ideals gaining traction in the 17th century, moving away from rigid court portraiture to this romanticized version of the natural world. How do you see the shift in artistic values reflected here? Curator: The cross-hatching acts as a network of signs, giving the stags their lifelike presence through carefully controlled tonal gradations. Editor: Ultimately, "Stags" invites us to reflect on our changing relationship with nature, both then and now, through the lens of Barlow's artistry. Curator: Indeed, it showcases the enduring appeal of structured beauty.