Hermione entreats Polixenes – Act I, Scene II, The Winter’s Tale 

Curator: This is Edwin Austin Abbey’s drawing, “Hermione entreats Polixenes – Act I, Scene II, The Winter’s Tale." A narrative scene brought to life through careful strokes. Editor: The understated elegance in the line work is really striking; despite being a drawing, it gives me a monumental feeling. There is an intensity to this quiet, poised moment. Curator: It reflects Abbey’s focus on academic art and historical painting. He often sought to capture key moments in literature and history, visualizing turning points. Consider, especially, how his work operated within institutions dedicated to national identity building, for example through his many murals. Editor: Absolutely, you feel that sense of staged historical tableau, almost a visual record. Beyond that though, the clasp of hands—so delicate and yet with such firm intent in Hermione’s eyes. The symbols tell a rich tale—I am drawn to the garland; an offering, a decorative element or perhaps a promise waiting to be broken? Curator: It underscores the complexity of symbols and imagery. It really echoes Shakespeare’s layering of motifs and the social performances underpinning royal interactions. It’s worth noting how, from an institutional view, such visual narratives upheld societal values of Abbey’s time by showcasing supposedly timeless dramatic conflicts. Editor: Indeed, the garland reminds us of the tragic unfolding, the dark twist lurking just around the corner for Queen Hermione. And looking at King Leontes behind them, lounging, with barely veiled malevolence! Every element in this drawing heightens the sense of drama and oncoming catastrophe. The hand clasp symbolizes the drama to come! Curator: It does open many doors into thinking about Shakespeare's play and it certainly embodies how institutional taste can determine what and how certain stories are preserved. Editor: Well, that was an enlightening exchange; seeing both the drama within and its artistic, and historic context has offered up such an insight. Curator: I agree, noting the drawing's institutional backing as representative of societal interpretations really does transform our engagement.