[title not known] Possibly 1843

Editor: This wood engraving is by John Linnell, who lived from 1792 to 1882. It reminds me of a stage play, with so many figures crowded into a small space. What's your take on what's happening here? Curator: It reads to me as a critique of institutional power, perhaps religious authority. The figures in elaborate robes appear to be presiding over a scene of suffering, with one figure seemingly ascending to heaven. How does this imagery function within the socio-political landscape of Linnell's time? Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn’t considered it as a deliberate critique. Curator: Consider the art market then. What kind of audience would this small, inexpensive print appeal to, and what kind of message would resonate with them? Editor: I hadn't considered the practical implications of a small wood engraving. Thanks for broadening my perspective! Curator: And thank you. Thinking about audience challenges my assumptions as well.