A Lady and a Gentleman Dancing 

Editor: Here we have Susanna Duncombe's "A Lady and a Gentleman Dancing," held at the Tate. It’s quite small, and the figures are rendered with such quick, expressive lines. What does this image evoke for you? Curator: The sketch, with its seemingly effortless depiction of movement, speaks volumes about the social rituals of the time. How might this image have been perceived within the artistic circles and societal norms of 18th-century England? Editor: So, it's a reflection of societal norms? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Precisely. Dance was a carefully choreographed display of status and courtship, and Duncombe captures that performance. The very act of sketching such a scene—what does that say about her position and perspective? Editor: It makes me think about access and who got to participate in these rituals, both in life and in art. Curator: An excellent point. It is interesting to think about the role of women in the arts and the societal norms that affected their work. Editor: Yes, that changed how I view this piece. Thanks!