Buste van een zwarte man 1854 - 1886

Editor: This is Roberto Fontana's "Buste van een zwarte man," created sometime between 1854 and 1886. It's a drawing, using ink and graphite on paper. The sketchiness of the lines really strikes me; it feels both intimate and unfinished. What stands out to you in terms of its visual language? Curator: The interplay of line and shadow is indeed compelling. Notice how Fontana employs hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume, particularly in the subject's hair and beard. The varying density of the lines establishes a clear contrast between light and dark, contributing to the overall structure of the portrait. Do you observe any instances where the lines themselves seem to carry a textural quality? Editor: Yes, especially in the jacket! The lines are much more frantic and less defined than in the face. It almost seems to vibrate. It’s less about perfect representation and more about capturing a certain energy, or maybe a specific feeling? Curator: Precisely. Fontana’s focus appears to be on conveying the essence of form and texture through these expressive marks. Consider the orientation of these marks; what does the intentionality of that compositional choice imply? Editor: I guess, focusing on the essence allows the viewer to piece things together more actively? Thanks to the formal approach I now observe Fontana’s conscious decisions more carefully and appreciate the portrait’s intrinsic structure. Curator: Indeed, our reading of the visual form determines meaning!