Have you ever felt that some of your friends don’t contribute anything at work, but others do? It seems that Thomas Webster recognized this very issue, and reflected it vividly in his historical painting, “A Dame’s School”. Using intentional setting, object symbolism, and an antithetical color scheme, Webster reveals an idea that there are two sides of mankind. In our analysis, this group primarily viewed this artwork as one society. The main theme here is that “the door is open” to those who wish to leave a community in which few actually work towards success while others doddle and refuse to participate, leading themselves to failure and mediocrity.
The obvious choice of location and time in Webster’s work is worthy of particular note. The painting takes place in a schoolroom, where children are taught the merits of success and how to become well-behaved, contributing young men and women. It would therefore seem ironic that so many of these students refuse to learn, and instead occupy themselves with sundry unproductive tasks. There was arguably no better a place to exemplify success versus failure in Webster’s time than in the classroom; it is simple to analyze, and the nature of children is well-known, relatable, and quite simple to detect. Webster therefore uses this to his advantage, as it may be considerably easier for the audience to understand his complex opinion of leaving behind a failing society for favor of what may lie “outdoors” by comparing such an action with the behavior of children.
In the artwork, one boy is standing up. He is reading something in front of his class, a very brave thing to do in front of so many joking peers. As we can see in this picture, while the boy reads, everybody else except him is doing nothing. They are playing, poking each other, laughing and even making fun of him. Unfortunately, these children may represent those infected by society. Even though there is bravery and confidence, there is no value in the work of the one unless there is substantial effort on behalf of their fellows. Yet two objects in the painting stands out: a door and a window. The door is open, it reveals a great light behind it, and almost tells the young boy to leave this hopeless community of loafing and disinterest. This symbolism clearly illustrates Webster’s theme, as he instructs his viewers to leave those who do not share their motivation for favor of personal success beyond. The window tempts the boy to leave with its bright light and, again, possibilities of a better atmosphere.
There are numerous points Webster makes even through the inconsistent brightness of paints. Primarily, Webster visually emphasizes the difference in potential between the group inside and the unknown and fortuitous opportunities outside the room. In the middle of the room, dark colors such as brown and even black are used, shrouding the faces of the students and explaining to the audience the boring and unsuccessful state of the class composed of students who do not work. Yet, at each edge of the painting, there sits either the open door—painted with a lustrous yellow and white—or the window, just as bright in color as it beckons the boy to wonder about the possibilities outside the school. In other words, the future of the boy as he remains in the classroom would be hopeless and bleak, while one lived without the weight of negative influence by his unmotivated peers would hold great chances for freedom and success. Webster truly highlights the difference between the hardworking and lazy person through such use of colors, as the varying brightness illustrates the prospects of those who either pursue success with passion, or those who spend no time in work to realize it.
In this artwork, a variation of color usage, a quaint setting, and profound symbolism made the artwork far more appealing, explanatory, and compelling. Through Webster’s intentional devices, it is simple to understand his ideas of society and the two kinds of people that emerge in humanity. Even in this small painting, Webster describes to us so many different issues, and the hardworking man’s ability to escape the slob. Though analyzing the piece was difficult, it was certainly rewarding, and it is the wish of this group that others will share in this enjoyment.
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