Studies for the Arms and Legs of Bacchus and Ariadne c. 1698

Curator: Charles de la Fosse, a French painter born in 1636, is the creator of this study called, “Studies for the Arms and Legs of Bacchus and Ariadne,” housed here at Harvard. It's a detailed chalk drawing. Editor: Immediately, I notice a certain tension. It's fascinating how detached the limbs are, almost like relics. Yet, there's a sensuality in the rendering of the flesh. Curator: De la Fosse really captures the dynamism of the human form. The studies allowed him to experiment with posture and composition before committing to a larger work. It gives me shivers to feel him work through his idea. Editor: True, there is something intimate about seeing this kind of preparatory work, like glimpsing a sculptor's clay models before the final bronze. I am really drawn to the dramatic potential of the body and how it speaks to the mythos of Bacchus and Ariadne. Curator: For me, its about the elegance of a sketch and a look into the artist's soul. Editor: Agreed! Let's let others explore that soul, shall we?