Studies of Facial Expressions and Poses; verso: Sketches of a Seated Man and Standing Women 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Valentine Schevill's "Studies of Facial Expressions and Poses; verso: Sketches of a Seated Man and Standing Women," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm drawn to the raw emotion in these sketches. They feel like fleeting moments captured on paper, a glimpse into someone's inner world. Curator: The use of graphite likely allowed for rapid sketching, capturing the immediacy of the expressions and poses. Note how the artist uses line weight to emphasize certain features. Editor: Yes, there's an almost childlike quality to the lines, yet the emotions feel so mature. It's as though he's digging deep into the human condition with such economy of line. Curator: Consider the role of paper itself, a readily available and affordable surface, indicating perhaps a practice of constant observation and documentation. Editor: It's like a visual diary. I imagine the artist constantly observing, scribbling down these raw, unpolished emotions that resonate even today. Curator: Precisely. The material choices reflect a focus on process and accessibility, democratizing the artistic practice. Editor: Thank you for pointing that out! It shifts how I see the work. Curator: Absolutely! Understanding the materials enriches our experience. Editor: It does. It really does.