[title not known] 

Curator: This drawing, by John Flaxman, now residing in the Tate Collections, depicts the goddess Athena, rendered in pencil on paper. The support measures 225 by 185 millimeters. My initial impression is of a striking image of classical power. Editor: Indeed, it's fascinating how Flaxman employs these classical symbols. Athena herself, the embodiment of wisdom and strategic warfare, seems to represent a kind of enlightened patriarchal power. Curator: The imagery on the shield is especially evocative, suggesting cyclical narratives of conflict and governance – perhaps reflecting broader societal power dynamics and the cyclical nature of history. Editor: And the figure she holds, a winged being bearing a laurel wreath. It signifies victory, but is it a victory for all, or just a select few? The image prompts questions about whose narratives are being valorized. Curator: Those are vital questions to consider as we examine the work and its cultural and historical contexts, especially regarding gender and power during the period. Editor: I agree. The weight of these symbols and their repeated use through history certainly encourage us to ask who gets to define victory and justice. Curator: Absolutely. It’s in grappling with these questions that the artwork continues to resonate today. Editor: A powerful piece that sparks thought even centuries later.