Male Standing on One Foot 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have "Male Standing on One Foot" by Denman Waldo Ross, a piece residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has this spontaneous, almost unfinished feel. The colors are muted, but the figure's pose really pops against the beige paper. Curator: Ross, with his extensive travels and engagement with different cultures, likely saw the artistic and social value in depicting physical forms. How the body is presented always reflects the values of the time. Editor: I'm intrigued by the materiality. It looks like chalk or pastel – something quick and immediate. You can almost see the artist's hand moving across the page, capturing that momentary balance. Curator: Indeed, Ross was deeply involved with art education and believed in accessible art for social improvement. This piece seems a testament to his vision. Editor: It's fascinating to think about the ease of production versus the demanding physicality of the pose. Labor on both sides represented, perhaps? Curator: A compelling thought – the convergence of artistic labor and physical exertion. Editor: It all gives us insight into both the artist’s process and the figure's strength.