Study for ‘Homage à Stulik’ c. 1948

Curator: William Roberts created this pencil drawing, "Study for ‘Homage à Stulik’". It is part of the Tate collection, and measures 184 by 133mm. Editor: It looks like a somewhat tense celebration; everyone’s holding a glass, but there’s a real sense of contained energy, especially in the figures' faces. Curator: Indeed. Roberts, who witnessed the horrors of WWI, often portrayed scenes of collective activity, reflecting on modern life and the individual's place within the group. The grid overlay suggests his careful planning. Editor: The champagne glasses are a key symbol here. They denote not just celebration, but perhaps also fragility, the fleeting nature of joy amidst potential chaos. The hats too, mark out the characters. Curator: The almost uniform style, however, hints at a critique of social conformity. The figures, while individualized, are all participating in the same ritual, the same structured environment. Editor: Yes, and the lack of detail, in this study, focuses attention on their shared act rather than their differences. The drawing's symbolism invites reflections on camaraderie and the shadows that underlie even the most festive moments. Curator: A powerful study, revealing the complexities of social dynamics in the early 20th century. Editor: A great demonstration of the weight even the most simple symbols can carry.