Mrs Thicknesse Playing a Viol c. 1762 - 1765

Editor: This is a sketch of Mrs Thicknesse Playing a Viol, by Susanna Duncombe. It's a small, intimate work, and the sepia tones give it a feeling of looking into the past. How do you read the symbolism of a woman, particularly painted by a woman, playing music at this time? Curator: This image offers a glimpse into the cultural and social positioning of women in the 18th century. Consider that artistic or musical expression for women was often a carefully cultivated accomplishment, a marker of social grace and refinement. Duncombe, herself a woman artist, might be subtly commenting on these expectations. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered how her own identity as a woman artist informs the work. It feels like there is more to discover here. Curator: Exactly. By examining the intersection of gender, artistic practice, and social expectation, we can unpack the complex narratives embedded within this seemingly simple sketch.