A Confession 1901 - 1950

Phil May created this drawing called 'A Confession' in England, around the turn of the century. It depicts a moment of intimacy between two figures, a priest and a woman, rendered with a sketchy, informal style. The artist, Phil May, made a name for himself with illustrations for publications like *Punch* and *The Daily Graphic*. These publications played a significant role in shaping public opinion and reflecting the social mores of Victorian and Edwardian England. May’s illustrations often satirized the social customs and class distinctions of his time. The ambiguity of the narrative challenges the traditional image of the church. Is it subverting expectations about piety and moral authority? We can learn more about the visual culture of the time by consulting periodicals like *Punch* and *The Illustrated London News*. These sources can help us better understand the nuances of May’s work and its role in the ongoing social and cultural conversations of his time.