Border: Chaucer & Cupid, and Chaucer Writing 1927

Editor: This is Eric Gill's "Border: Chaucer & Cupid, and Chaucer Writing" at the Tate. The stark lines and simple figures give it such a modern feel, even though it depicts a medieval subject. What cultural echoes do you hear when you look at this piece? Curator: Notice how Gill renders Chaucer, not as a specific portrait, but as an archetype of the inspired poet. The Cupid figure on his shoulder alludes to divine inspiration, a common trope linking creativity to a higher power. Does it remind you of classical depictions of muses, perhaps? Editor: Yes, I see what you mean! The Cupid feels almost like a little muse whispering in his ear. Curator: Exactly. And the act of writing itself, carefully rendered, suggests the painstaking process of creation, elevating the written word. A powerful combination of the profane and the divine, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely. It's amazing how much meaning is packed into such a simple image.