A Monk and Two Soldiers 

Editor: This is "A Monk and Two Soldiers," a small watercolor attributed to Susanna Duncombe. I’m really struck by the rather stark contrast between the figures, and the almost dreamlike quality of the scene. How do you read the relationship between these figures? Curator: I love that "dreamlike" is your first impression. It feels like a fleeting memory, doesn't it? To me, the monk seems almost oblivious, lost in thought, while the soldiers are rigid, watchful. Perhaps it's a comment on the changing social order? What do you make of the text below the image? Does that give you any further clues? Editor: It does! The text hints at a surprising encounter. I hadn't noticed the narrative element before. Curator: Exactly! It's like Duncombe is giving us a glimpse into her world, a snippet of a story, inviting us to fill in the gaps. It feels so deeply personal. Editor: I see it now. It's more than just a snapshot, it's an invitation. Thanks, that's really helpful.