Jane Shore Doing Penance through the Streets of London between Two Monks 

Curator: The sepia wash gives this British School drawing, "Jane Shore Doing Penance through the Streets of London between Two Monks," an immediately somber feel. Editor: It's striking how the tonal range emphasizes the texture of their robes, especially juxtaposed with Jane Shore's apparent distress and the imposing architecture looming in the background. Curator: Indeed, note how the artist uses line to direct our gaze—from the monks' somber faces to Jane's bowed head and clasped hands, embodying humility and shame. The work exemplifies 19th-century interpretations of morality. Editor: Yes, and it’s hard to ignore the historical power dynamics. Jane Shore's story, a woman punished for her sexuality, resonates uncomfortably with continued societal judgements against women, even today. Curator: A potent reminder that depictions of penance aren't just aesthetic exercises, but reflections of the social norms of their time. Editor: Precisely, art serves as a mirror, reflecting and often perpetuating, the values we hold.