Head of a Man c. 20th century

Editor: We're looking at Pavel Tchelitchew's "Head of a Man," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's faint, almost ghost-like. I'm curious, what do you see in this piece beyond the initial impression? Curator: It’s fascinating how Tchelitchew renders visibility itself as a kind of social and political act. Consider the historical context – was the sitter a public figure? Was this work meant to be seen, or was it a more private exploration of identity? Editor: So, the act of making it visible gives it power? Curator: Precisely. And what does it mean to portray a man in such a delicate, almost ethereal manner? What social norms is Tchelitchew engaging with, or perhaps challenging? Editor: I never considered the implications of visibility in that way. Thank you!