Sketch of the Artist’s Son, Bartholomew Beale, in Profile c. 1660

Curator: This is Mary Beale's "Sketch of the Artist's Son, Bartholomew Beale, in Profile," held at the Tate. Editor: The sketch is surprisingly gentle, almost ethereal. The muted palette and soft focus create an intimate atmosphere. Curator: Observe how Beale uses light and shadow to sculpt Bartholomew's face, drawing attention to the slope of his nose and the curl of his hair. The rendering of his features showcases the formal conventions of portraiture. Editor: Children in portraits often symbolize innocence and hope. The profile view, a classical trope, might suggest an idealization of youth and future potential. Curator: Indeed, Beale was a celebrated portraitist, often depicting figures of stature, making this intimate study of her son particularly compelling from a structural viewpoint. Editor: This image leaves me considering the enduring power of familial love, captured through the artistic lens of a mother's gaze.