Invincible II 

Mary Jane Ansell created this oil painting titled "Invincible II," and it presents us with layers of social and cultural context. The image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations. Notice the young girl adorned with symbols of British naval power: the HMS Invincible hat and a cape fashioned from the Union Jack flag. The title itself, "Invincible," evokes a sense of national pride and military might. Made in contemporary Britain, the artwork encourages us to reflect on the nation's historical relationship to its navy and empire, as well as the cultural narratives that shape identity. Is it self-consciously conservative or progressive? Does it critique the institutions of art? To fully understand this artwork, one might research the history of the HMS Invincible, the symbolism of the Union Jack, and the role of naval power in shaping British identity. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.