Pinks c. 1886

Editor: This is Edward Martin Taber's "Pinks," a delicate graphite drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. There's a softness to it, especially in how the light seems to define the forms. What do you see in the composition of this piece? Curator: The emphasis on line and the subtle gradations of tone are critical. Observe how Taber uses hatching to create volume in the blossoms. The negative space is also active, providing a stark contrast. How does the lack of strong color affect your reading of the subject? Editor: It almost feels like I'm seeing the essence of the flower, not just its appearance. I appreciate how the artist used light to create contrast and definition. Curator: Precisely, it strips away the superficial, leading us to examine the foundational elements of form and representation. A study in the poetics of seeing.