Scene from Bickerstaffe’s Play ‘The Hypocrite’, Adapted from Colly Cibber’s ‘Non Juror’ 

Curator: Robert Smirke, born in 1752, painted this scene from Bickerstaffe’s play ‘The Hypocrite,’ adapted from Colly Cibber’s ‘Non Juror.’ It’s part of the Tate collection. Editor: The color palette strikes me as muted, almost earthen. What materials did Smirke employ to achieve this effect? Curator: It's oil on canvas. The painting is interesting because it captures a specific moment in a play, which, itself, critiques social hypocrisy, mirroring the political anxieties of its time. Editor: I'm drawn to how the costume functions as a signifier of social status. The textures seem flat, almost deliberately denying any sense of opulence or excess. Curator: Exactly! The play, and Smirke's depiction, challenge the societal structures that promote such appearances. Editor: The emphasis on these costumes within such confined spaces suggests a critical awareness of how societal roles are constructed and performed. It is more than just a picture. Curator: A compelling glimpse into the material culture informing social critique. Editor: Indeed, and a reminder that even seemingly simple works can reveal complex layers of meaning.