Three Studies of a Nude Child c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Joseph Parrocel’s "Three Studies of a Nude Child," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's undated, but Parrocel lived from 1646 to 1704. The figures seem to float on the page, lightly sketched. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The arrangement of the figures presents a fascinating study in form and line. Note how each pose offers a distinct perspective on the child's anatomy, almost like a geometric exercise. The artist uses hatching to define volume, creating a sense of depth despite the monochromatic palette. Consider how the repetition of the subject creates rhythm and balance on the page. Editor: It's interesting how you focus on the shapes and composition. I hadn't considered the repetition as creating rhythm. Curator: Precisely. The artist is not simply representing a child, but exploring the possibilities of line and form. Editor: Thanks, I'll definitely look at other drawings with this new perspective.