A Monk 

Editor: This is John Henderson's "A Monk," currently residing in the Tate Collections. It's a small pen and ink sketch, and I'm immediately struck by the figure's gesturing hand. What does it signify to you? Curator: The outstretched hand, a timeless symbol, is fascinating. In religious iconography, gestures speak volumes. Is it a blessing, an offering, or perhaps a plea? The monk's garb, rendered so simply, also evokes centuries of monastic tradition and its visual language. Editor: That's interesting! I hadn’t considered the historical weight of the gesture itself. Curator: Visual symbols, even in a quick sketch, carry echoes of cultural memory. Henderson's monk becomes more than just a figure; he's a vessel of history and human intention. Editor: Thanks for the insights.