Study for ‘Don Quixote’: Title Vignette; A Trophy of Arms and a White Mule 1809

Editor: This is Thomas Stothard's Study for ‘Don Quixote’: Title Vignette; A Trophy of Arms and a White Mule, from the Tate Collections. It's a very small work. I'm struck by the artist's use of light and shadow, but what do you see in the composition itself? Curator: I note the structural contrast between the angular, almost caricatured figure of Don Quixote and the more subtly rendered mule. The juxtaposition serves to highlight the absurdity of Quixote's self-image, no? Note also, how the artist uses a limited palette to unify the disparate elements. Editor: That's a great point about the limited palette creating unity. I hadn't thought about the contrast between the figures as a commentary on Don Quixote's character, either. Curator: Consider how Stothard manipulates form and line. What do you make of it? Editor: I see how the artist uses the contrast between angularity and subtlety to emphasize the main character's features and the animal's gentleness. Thank you; I learned a lot. Curator: Indeed, a close study of the formal elements reveals so much. It’s been my pleasure.