Study for "The Fates Gathering in the Stars" 1884 - 1887

Editor: So this is Elihu Vedder's "Study for 'The Fates Gathering in the Stars'," made with pencil between 1884 and 1887. It's quite striking how the figure seems to be pulling or reaching for something just beyond the frame. What do you see in this piece beyond a preliminary sketch? Curator: It’s tempting to see this as a mere study, but let's dig deeper. Vedder was deeply immersed in Symbolism, a movement rife with contesting power structures. This figure, likely a study for one of the Fates, appears vulnerable yet assertive. Consider the implications of representing women, particularly nude, as weavers of destiny during an era marked by intense social upheaval. Editor: Weavers of destiny? That’s an interesting perspective. It shifts away from passive femininity, right? Curator: Precisely! How might the act of "gathering in the stars" be read as a subtle commentary on women collectively shaping narratives? Vedder was engaging with ancient mythology, but he was also living in a time when women were actively challenging societal norms. What is she reaching for, in your view? Perhaps suffrage? Or the right to education? Editor: I never thought of it that way. So the sketch itself becomes a site of negotiation between artistic tradition and progressive ideals? Curator: Exactly. Even in its unfinished state, the drawing provokes us to question what power looks like and who gets to wield it. It is vital that we recognize artistic interpretations of power. It allows us to actively see ourselves in it as well. Editor: That really opens up a whole new perspective on the artwork. It’s not just a preparatory study; it’s a reflection on women's agency and societal influence, hidden in plain sight. Curator: And a reminder that even seemingly simple images can contain radical potential. This reading illustrates art as both mirror and catalyst for social change.