Classical Female Figure from Behind (Fragment) 

Curator: Here we have Susanna Duncombe’s small drawing, "Classical Female Figure from Behind (Fragment)," housed in the Tate Collections. Editor: It’s lovely. Immediately, I notice the way the light seems to cling to the folds of her dress, suggesting a very tactile relationship with the fabric. Curator: Duncombe was part of a circle of women artists, often overlooked. This drawing reflects the 18th-century interest in classical forms, yet there's a certain intimacy in its sketch-like quality. Editor: Absolutely. It's intriguing to consider the economics of artmaking at that time and how her access to materials shaped her practice and the scale of her work. The labor involved in acquiring such skill... Curator: Indeed, the drawing allows a peek into artistic practices and tastes, especially considering the social constraints of female artists. Editor: Studying Duncombe's process and materials certainly opens a new way to consider the art that was made and what was deemed worthy of preservation. Curator: It’s quite interesting to consider art through that lens. Editor: A necessary perspective, I'd say.