Mrs Ann Hawkins 1832

Curator: This is John Linnell's portrait of Mrs. Ann Hawkins, now part of the Tate Collections. Editor: She looks so self-possessed, almost guarded. Curator: Linnell was known for his landscapes, but he also painted portraits, often depicting the sitter's social standing. This one is interesting because the subject's clothing, particularly the elaborate lace bonnet, speaks to her status. Editor: The whiteness seems to emphasize her role in society. The darker dress perhaps, to suggest respectability. I wonder about the politics of display here. Curator: Yes, the portrait’s display in the Tate influences our understanding. Placed within the context of Linnell's career it also reflects evolving class dynamics. Editor: It invites us to consider the woman beyond the clothes. There is a palpable humanity in her gaze. Curator: Precisely, seeing the historical conditions in which this came to be really reshapes our perspective.