Captivity c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Edward Goodall’s etching, "Captivity." The title suggests confinement, which is interesting when you consider how small the architectural details are within the vast white space. How does the historical context shape our understanding of this piece? Curator: The title "Captivity" certainly invites speculation. What could Goodall have been communicating? Given his era, could this perhaps be a comment on the societal constraints of the time? The artwork becomes a visual metaphor. Editor: So, it's less about a literal prison, and more about societal structures? That’s a really interesting take. I hadn't considered that. Curator: Exactly. Art often serves as a mirror, reflecting and questioning the norms of its time. What did you initially make of it? Editor: I thought it was just a building, but now I see there's more than meets the eye. Thanks!