Self-Portrait c. 1735

Editor: This is Jonathan Richardson the Elder's Self-Portrait from around 1735, a pencil and graphite drawing on paper. There's something so delicate and vulnerable about the sketchiness of it all, you know? It feels so immediate, like a glimpse into his private world. What's your take on it? Curator: Vulnerable, yes, that's beautifully put. For me, it whispers of the quiet self-reflection that artists indulge in. Imagine Richardson, gazing into a mirror, not just capturing his likeness, but wrestling with his inner self, you know? I’m particularly drawn to the way he uses the graphite – light, almost hesitant strokes that somehow convey so much. Have you ever considered how self-portraits can act as visual diaries, little windows into an artist's evolving perception of themselves? Editor: I guess I hadn't thought of it that way, as a diary. It’s interesting to consider it within the tradition of academic art, which I think this is categorized as. Curator: Right? I find this almost whispers a conversation. Almost as if he wants to be approached on this journey with him. The delicate shading seems to ask a question more than to define a statement, which many pieces do in that category. He does present a clear statement, but almost with some hesitancy that asks for confirmation through contemplation, at least, that's what my heart tells me. Editor: Wow, I never looked at it that deeply. The vulnerability creates a strong connection. Thank you! Curator: And thank you! You have an artists' eye. Never stop noticing what others tend to ignore.