[title not known] 1806 - 1807

Curator: This pen and ink sketch, held in the Tate collections, is by Thomas Stothard, who lived from 1755 to 1834. It presents multiple groupings of figures, many mounted on horseback. Editor: It feels so dynamic, almost frenetic. The lines are loose, capturing movement and energy. Curator: Stothard often depicted scenes from literature and history, reflecting societal narratives. Consider the power dynamics inherent in equestrian portraiture and how they intersect with class. Editor: I see it in the composition too: the layering of figures creates depth, but the lack of detail obscures individual identities, focusing attention on the overall form. Curator: Precisely. The ambiguity prompts us to question whose stories are being told and from whose perspective. Editor: It's a compelling study in line and form. Curator: Absolutely, and in whose world these forms exist.