Inhabitants of the Moon 1807

Curator: Here we have John Flaxman's "Inhabitants of the Moon," currently residing in the Tate Collections. It’s a linear engraving, quite small, measuring about 13 by 18 centimeters. Editor: It feels otherworldly, a very ethereal mood with these figures delineated so simply. Curator: Flaxman's severe, pure outlines and stark use of white space create a kind of neoclassical austerity, reflecting an interest in ideal form. The figures seem almost weightless. Editor: This work resonates with a feminist reading of Dante's "Paradiso", representing the marginalized women within its narrative. The gaze seems directed toward them, seeking a form of justice. Curator: Indeed. Flaxman's strategic use of line directs our attention within the composition, specifically highlighting the figures' placement and expressions. Editor: It's a powerful piece, quietly demanding a reconsideration of societal structures and the narratives that uphold them. Curator: Precisely, a study in neoclassical form and an invitation to reflect on social commentary.