Romance 

John Michael Carter, born in 1950, created this painting called “Romance” with oil. It depicts a woman reclining, book in hand, surrounded by colourful fabrics. The title itself, ‘Romance’, and the woman's relaxed posture invite us to consider the relationship between art and leisure, particularly within domestic spaces. Looking at the context in which Carter made this painting, we can see how it both reflects and responds to social norms. Made in the contemporary United States, the scene is reminiscent of both academic painting and the bohemian ideals of earlier eras, such as the Pre-Raphaelites in Victorian England. Carter's painting acknowledges the conservative expectations of its time, but also references a counter-culture. This suggests the tensions around gender roles and lifestyle choices that define the social structures of the time. To fully appreciate this work, art historians might explore period fashion, literature, and cultural attitudes towards leisure, offering a more nuanced understanding of its complexities. The meaning of this piece is very much a product of its social and institutional environment.