Cinderella 

Curator: This is "Cinderella," a piece attributed to Sir John Everett Millais, a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. It is believed that Millais captured this oil-on-canvas painting in the later period of his career. Editor: The mood is contemplative, even a little melancholy. There’s a weight in her gaze, isn't there? It is such contrast: bare feet and then her refined, sad stare... She seems both trapped and somehow serene. Curator: The interesting thing is that this was part of a larger wave of interest in fairy tales throughout Victorian England. Figures like Cinderella, previously more common among the popular and working classes, start being treated as viable and popular subjects for artistic treatment within the fine art world, which I find fascinating! The Royal Academy started seeing submissions of art based on folklore for their seasonal shows. Editor: Yes, I notice that contrast so acutely with those tiny, working-class mice in the bottom left and a peacock feather. She's almost mocking, isn't she? A single peacock feather instead of a whole gown for the ball! Do we know anything of his workshop at the time? Was this an expensive or time-consuming undertaking in Millais' life? Curator: Considering his profile at the time, it is probable he might have employed assistants to prepare the grounds and possibly underpaint the initial layers, especially for a canvas this size. Sittings with the model would have involved both direct observation and the use of photography to study details of the face and clothing, perhaps, if you want to delve deeper, he took liberties with portraying class status; she wears a very simply made gray frock that is very clearly crafted with natural linen, and an incredibly primitive birch broom made of a very light colored birch. Editor: So, he emphasizes the material conditions of the character while also playing into the romanticized version of a folktale made for popular audiences, with clear visual indicators for the lower class; no shoes, old broom, mice running around. This shows what an established role his work occupied in public opinion as well, making a statement on a fairytale! Curator: Exactly. It highlights how stories become culturally meaningful based on whose perspective is telling them. I think with the state of things now, that is an even more poignant thought than ever. Editor: Absolutely, that is worth a good pondering. I am so glad that you have told me more about the processes and choices that might have resulted in this oil paint on this canvas of 'Cinderella'.