George B. Christian, Esquire, Secretary to President Harding 1922

Curator: I see an understated, intimate air about this portrait. The diagonal pose creates a dynamic, almost inquisitive feel. Editor: Interesting! My first thought goes straight to the tangible process, though. Look at the hatching; the density and direction build form so efficiently. How much pressure was applied with the pencil? What kind of paper did the artist choose to accept the graphite? Curator: Well, this is a print made from a pencil drawing. Walter Tittle captured George B. Christian, Jr., President Harding's secretary, around 1922. There's a symbolism here, perhaps unintentional, with the subtle shadows implying hidden depths beneath Christian's composed facade, reflecting the political climate. Editor: "Implied" is doing a lot of work there, isn't it? But beyond political speculation, what's significant is the medium itself: Pencil, so accessible, mass produced even then. Etching the image for print means that Tittle’s work could be circulated to the masses, not just reserved for the elite. It democraticizes the image, right? Curator: Precisely! A print allows wider consumption. It's fascinating how the artistic choice allows for broader influence. Harding's administration and this man would've been extremely prominent in the minds of people buying this image. But the way he averts the viewer's gaze gives the image a distinctly human touch, making him somehow approachable despite his position. The very lack of grandeur becomes iconic. Editor: The image also tells us so much about the economics of art creation and its circulation. Tittle earned a living from commissioned portraits in popular magazines. This image is probably closely related to a more popular edition. Curator: An efficient business transaction! A tangible reminder that artistic interpretation is always embedded in specific societal processes, and can shape legacy in unique ways. Editor: Exactly! Material reality shapes artistic intention at every step. The mass produced quality of the medium doesn’t devalue the craft and technique displayed.