Woman with an Eye-Glass c. 1902 - 1903

Editor: This is Joan González's "Woman with an Eye-Glass," currently at the Tate. It is rendered in ink and watercolor. It's quite striking! What’s your interpretation of this woman's ambiguous gaze and pose, especially within its historical context? Curator: Well, considering González's era, we might see this as a commentary on the rising status of women in society and their self-perception. The eyeglass could be symbolic of her discerning gaze, challenging traditional views of women as mere objects of observation. Does the medium itself--ink and watercolor--suggest anything to you? Editor: I hadn't thought about the medium, that's interesting. I guess it feels quick, immediate... like a passing impression. I'll have to consider that more. Curator: Exactly. And it is important to consider how the work would have been viewed and understood at the time, versus how we interpret it today with our contemporary lens. Editor: Thank you, that gives me a lot to think about regarding its social and cultural significance!