Male Head 1933

Editor: This is "Male Head", a pencil drawing by Denman Waldo Ross, created in 1933. It feels very linear and geometric, almost like a blueprint. What stands out to you in terms of its composition? Curator: The underlying grid is fascinating. Note how Ross hasn't concealed the armature; rather, it is integral. The face is constructed through a series of intersecting lines, prioritizing structure. Editor: So, it's not about capturing likeness, but exploring form? Curator: Precisely. The linear quality emphasizes the formal relationships over representational accuracy. The geometric underlay dictates the final image. Editor: That makes me appreciate the artist's process more. It’s like seeing the skeleton beneath the skin. Curator: Indeed. The structure dictates the expression, rather than the other way around.