The Poets Reposing 1807

Editor: This is John Flaxman's "The Poets Reposing". It's a delicate line drawing. What strikes me is the almost industrial depiction of repose; the poets are arranged on what looks like a production line. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see an interesting commentary on the commodification of artistic labor. Flaxman, in his stark rendering, elevates the means of production. Notice how the "lofty beds" are simple, repetitive forms. The poets, like products, are laid out for consumption. Is genius manufactured, or divinely inspired? Editor: So, you're suggesting Flaxman is questioning the romantic idea of the poet? That's fascinating. I hadn’t considered that. Curator: Precisely! And it challenges us to consider the role of the artist in a rapidly industrializing society.