Mrs. Sextus consoles herself with a Little Party 

Editor: We're looking at "Mrs. Sextus consoles herself with a Little Party" by John Leech. It's an ink and engraving drawing, lively and quite crowded. My first impression is a sort of bustling chaos – almost like a play in full swing. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, first off, that title! "Consoles herself"...It hints at a story, doesn't it? Look at the partiers, the dancers - a swirling, giddy mass. Then your eye hits those fellas on the right lurking by the curtains... observe their slightly grumpy demeanors, it appears, as though this "consolation" comes at the cost of them not also enjoying the party, I suspect they may be related. Almost like they are guarding against someone who would attempt to end the festivity... Who do you think "Mrs. Sextus" might be and why is she consoling? Editor: It feels like she's trying to forget something… maybe escape reality? Those figures near the curtain seem out of place with all the revelry. Why do you think Leech chose this almost cartoonish style for such a potentially loaded scene? Curator: Ah, the 'cartoonish' style is key! Leech was a master of satire. He’s poking fun, not just at Mrs. Sextus, but at society's way of masking heartbreak with extravagance. Notice how the chandeliers shine over it all - an attempt to literally light up the darkness? Editor: So, it's not just a fun drawing of a party, it's a commentary? Curator: Precisely. He uses humour as a sneaky little dagger to expose hypocrisy. It invites us to smile, but then maybe think a little bit deeper. Isn't that the most devilish fun of all? Editor: I didn't realize how much story was packed into such a small, energetic frame. Now those lurking figures seem less grumpy and more burdened by the secret sadness underneath it all! Thanks for opening my eyes to that. Curator: The pleasure's mine! Art's most rewarding facet resides in that unfolding realization that you are not just an observer, but deeply entrenched into an unfolding and living story.