Head of an Old Lady Wearing a Black Hat with Blue Ribbons 

Editor: This watercolor, "Head of an Old Lady Wearing a Black Hat with Blue Ribbons" by Susanna Duncombe, is such a small, delicate piece. What strikes me most is the woman's downward gaze; what symbols do you see in her posture? Curator: The downcast eyes speak volumes, don't they? The blue ribbons, though, offer a visual counterpoint. Blue, often associated with fidelity and piety, creates a nuanced portrait. Could these elements point to a moment of quiet reflection or even a sense of melancholy tinged with hope? Editor: That's a fascinating interpretation! I hadn't considered the ribbons in that light. Curator: Consider too, the hat, a marker of social status, yet here, it seems to weigh her down. What stories do you think this image holds? Editor: I’m left wondering about the contrast between her adornments and her expression. Thank you for sharing such a culturally rich interpretation of this portrait. Curator: My pleasure. It is in these details that we truly unlock the past.