Study for ‘Life’s Illusions’. Verso: Study for ‘Life’s Illusions’ c. 1849

Editor: This is George Frederic Watts's sketch for "Life's Illusions," currently held at the Tate. The figures seem to be emerging from darkness. What symbols stand out to you in this preliminary sketch? Curator: The draped figure, almost maternal, shielding others… It echoes classical representations of allegorical figures like Hope or Charity. Note how Watts uses light and shadow. What does that suggest to you about the nature of illusions? Editor: Perhaps that illusions can be both comforting and concealing? The sketch feels like a glimpse behind a veil. Curator: Precisely. Watts uses established visual language to explore the enduring human condition. Editor: I hadn't considered how much the composition relies on those familiar symbols.