Sketch of a Man and Sketch of a Landscape 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Valentine Schevill’s "Sketch of a Man and Sketch of a Landscape," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I immediately notice the stark contrast between the shaded figure and the barely-there landscape. It evokes a sense of isolation. Curator: Perhaps. Given Schevill’s relative obscurity, one might interpret this juxtaposition as a reflection of the artist's own struggle for recognition within a rapidly changing art world, dominated by European modernism. Editor: Or, simply, a study in tonal variations achieved through graphite. The hatching technique really defines the man's contemplative mood, no? Curator: It could also be indicative of a broader anxiety surrounding masculinity and the role of men in public spaces during the late 19th century. Editor: Interesting angle. It’s fascinating how a few lines can ignite such diverse interpretations. Curator: Indeed, seeing art through different lenses reveals much about both the art and ourselves.