The Proud 1807

Curator: This is John Flaxman's "The Proud," held in the Tate Collections. Immediately, I'm struck by the figures’ postures. Editor: The burdens seem almost abstract—rough hewn blocks perhaps? It feels like a commentary on labor, maybe even exploitation. Curator: Precisely. Note the linear style, emphasizing form and contour. Flaxman reduces detail, focusing on the figures’ expressions and the weight they bear. The horizontal lines above underscore the oppressive atmosphere. Editor: It begs the question, what are these burdens? Are they physical objects, or representative of something more intangible—social structures or personal failings, perhaps? The labor seems torturous. Curator: Yes, the lack of distinct material is crucial. It invites us to interpret the weight beyond the purely physical—a universal struggle. Editor: I find it fascinating how the materials – or lack thereof – contribute to this powerful sense of unseen pressure and collective suffering. Curator: An insightful observation of the artist's skill. Editor: Indeed. It gives me much to consider about the nature of work, pride and the unseen burdens that society asks us to carry.