Hagar and Ishmael 1798

Editor: This is Robert Dunkarton's "Hagar and Ishmael." It’s a large print, and the dramatic lighting gives the scene a very theatrical feel, don't you think? What strikes you most about it? Curator: It's interesting how Dunkarton utilizes this biblical scene. Consider the evolving role of religious art in public spaces during the late 18th century. Is it devotional, or something else? Editor: Something else, definitely! It feels more like a stage play. Curator: Exactly! The framing, the gestures... It's designed for public consumption, perhaps prompting discussions about faith and human suffering in a changing society. Editor: I hadn't considered how its public display would affect its meaning. Curator: Think about where it might hang, and who would see it. It reframes the narrative into something more accessible.