Copy after the Head of Ilaria del' Carretto, by Jacopo della Quercia (Lucca Cathedral)

Editor: Here we have Martin Mower's "Copy after the Head of Ilaria del' Carretto, by Jacopo della Quercia," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small work, but incredibly detailed. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Mower's work, viewed through a Formalist lens, reveals a study in contrasts. The softness of the subject's features is juxtaposed against the angularity of the surrounding forms. Editor: That tension definitely adds to its impact. Curator: Precisely. Notice also the artist's careful modulation of tone, creating depth and volume. How does this interplay contribute to the overall aesthetic? Editor: It gives it a sculptural quality, reinforcing that it's a copy of a sculpture, but in two dimensions. Thank you for your insights! Curator: Indeed, the semiotic analysis provides a strong framework for understanding how form shapes meaning.