Rupert 1987

Curator: This is "Rupert," an etching by the Scottish artist Peter Howson, made in 1987. Editor: Immediately, the somber darkness of this portrait strikes me. It feels like Howson is showing us a soul under immense strain, almost violently so. Curator: Howson often explored themes of masculinity, conflict, and social struggle. The heavy lines and stark contrasts are hallmarks of his expressive style. He often depicts men in crisis. Editor: The way the face is etched, it’s like a map of hard living. It's interesting Howson uses such a classical technique to portray, perhaps, the opposite of classical ideals. Curator: Yes, Howson’s work often plays with this tension, using traditional methods to depict very modern anxieties and realities. Editor: It feels less like a celebration of the individual, and more like an unflinching examination of the human condition. Profoundly unsettling. Curator: Exactly, and a reminder of art's power to confront us with uncomfortable truths.