Head of a Tree Squirrel 19th-20th century

Editor: This is William Rowan's "Head of a Tree Squirrel." The delicate pencil strokes give it such a lifelike feel. What stands out to you about the artist's approach? Curator: The drawing compels us to consider the labor involved in its creation. What kind of pencil was used and how did that choice influence the texture? Was this study for a larger project involving ideas of nature and commodity? Editor: Those are fascinating questions. I hadn’t considered the pencil itself as a material with its own story. Curator: Exactly! And how does the accessibility of the medium relate to Rowan's intentions? It really makes you wonder. Editor: I see what you mean; it adds layers to the seemingly simple subject matter. Thanks!