Old Man Seated 

Editor: Here we have Charles Samuel Keene's "Old Man Seated," undated, from the Tate Collections. It's a small drawing, and I'm struck by how casually confident the man appears. What does this drawing tell us about its time? Curator: Keene was a satirical artist. This drawing, while seemingly simple, speaks volumes about Victorian society and class. The top hat, the cane—these are markers of a certain social standing. How might this image have been received by different audiences? Editor: I guess the upper classes would see themselves reflected, perhaps with gentle mockery? And maybe the working classes would see it as aspirational, or else be critical? Curator: Precisely! Keene’s work often appeared in publications like "Punch," shaping public opinion and sparking dialogue. It reminds us that art is never neutral; it always participates in a social conversation. Editor: It's amazing how much social commentary can be packed into such a small sketch. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It shows the power of art to reflect and influence society.