Sir Arthegal, the Knight of Justice, with Talus, the Iron Man (from Spenser’s ‘Faerie Queene’) Possibly 1778

Editor: Mortimer’s large-scale painting, "Sir Arthegal, the Knight of Justice, with Talus, the Iron Man," shows a scene inspired by Spenser's *Faerie Queene*. The dramatic lighting really emphasizes the figures, but I'm struck by the raw, almost unfinished quality of the brushwork. What can you tell me about the materiality and production of this painting? Curator: Notice how Mortimer emphasizes the process by leaving visible brushstrokes. This wasn't simply about depicting a scene, but about the act of *making*. Consider the social context: Mortimer challenged the traditional hierarchy of artistic subjects. By embracing a raw, almost crude style, he elevated the labor of painting itself. Editor: So, you're saying the rough finish and visible brushstrokes aren't a flaw, but a deliberate choice highlighting the artistic process? Curator: Precisely. He’s drawing attention to the materials—paint, canvas—and the labor involved, subverting the polished refinement expected of high art at the time. It makes you think about art's role and value in society, doesn’t it? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered, that challenges my preconceptions about finish and intention. Curator: Indeed, and by doing so, it sheds light on what we value in art and why.