Design for Illustration to ‘Chinese Tales’; ‘History of Jezdael’: Study of a Woman Wearing a Stole or Shawl, and Two Seated Figures. Verso: Drawing 1781

Curator: This is Thomas Stothard’s pencil sketch, "Design for Illustration to ‘Chinese Tales’; ‘History of Jezdael’: Study of a Woman Wearing a Stole or Shawl, and Two Seated Figures," currently held in the Tate Collections. Editor: It's quite delicate. The composition, with the looming figure and smaller seated women, evokes a sense of implied power dynamics. Curator: Stothard, who lived from 1755 to 1834, was a prolific illustrator. Consider the market for illustrated books and how it shaped his career. This drawing would have been a preliminary design. Editor: The light pencil strokes are fascinating. Note how the artist uses line weight to create depth and focus, drawing the eye to specific areas, especially the hand. It’s a beautifully rendered focal point. Curator: Indeed, and the “Chinese Tales” reference is crucial. It suggests the growing cultural exchange and fascination with the East during this period and how narratives influenced artistic choices. Editor: A delicate, insightful interplay of line and form. Curator: It offers a glimpse into both Stothard's process and the cultural climate of his time.