Tom Hayley as Robin Goodfellow 1789 - 1792

Curator: George Romney painted this portrait, "Tom Hayley as Robin Goodfellow," sometime in the late 18th century. The sitter, a young boy, is presented as the mischievous sprite from folklore. Editor: There's a captivating androgyny to the figure that draws you in. The soft lines and muted earth tones give it an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality. Curator: Romney's work often reflected the shifting social values of his time, particularly regarding childhood and innocence. The Romantics were very interested in the figure of the child. Editor: And Robin Goodfellow himself is a figure of liminality, of being betwixt and between, which resonates with the gender ambiguity here. It questions how we see identity. Curator: The painting's acquisition history by the Tate also suggests it was well regarded by prominent collectors and art institutions invested in promoting British art. Editor: It makes you wonder about the power dynamics at play, the artist's gaze, the sitter's agency, and the expectations placed upon children then and now. A layered piece. Curator: It is indeed, and viewing the work in a modern context allows for a re-evaluation of its cultural and historical significance. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a potent reminder that art is never truly static, but rather evolves with our understanding.