Mrs Whinny, in Profile to Left 

Editor: This is John Hayter's "Mrs Whinny, in Profile to Left," a delicate ink drawing. It feels very intimate and immediate. What can you tell me about how portraiture like this functioned in its time? Curator: Consider the rise of portraiture in the 19th century. It democratized image-making. No longer just for aristocracy, the middle class could participate, reinforcing social status. How do you think this drawing reflects or challenges that trend? Editor: Well, the sketch-like quality feels less formal, perhaps more accessible? Curator: Precisely! Hayter's sketch suggests a shift. It's less about rigid representation and more about capturing a likeness, an impression. This speaks to changing social values around representation and accessibility in art. Editor: That's fascinating – it's like a visual shorthand for a broader cultural shift! Curator: Indeed. Looking at art through a historical lens helps us understand not just what we see, but why and for whom it was created.