What of the War? c. 1881

Editor: This is Philip Wilson Steer’s painting "What of the War?". The brushstrokes make the man's face look so worn. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It speaks volumes about the anxieties of wartime. The man is not just reading news; he's confronting a reality that deeply impacts his existence. What is his place in this conflict? Editor: So, it's not just about the war, but also about identity? Curator: Absolutely. Steer is asking us to consider how global events reshape our understanding of self and community. It is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict. Editor: I hadn't considered it that way. Thank you for opening my eyes to that perspective. Curator: It's crucial to see art as a reflection of its time, but also as a mirror to our own.