Sketch of a Seated Woman 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Valentine Schevill's "Sketch of a Seated Woman," held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate sense is one of quiet introspection, wouldn't you agree? The woman's posture suggests a heavy thoughtfulness. Curator: Absolutely. Schevill captures a very human moment, the delicate lines implying vulnerability. The study of the hands, almost separate from the figure, is particularly compelling. Editor: Do you think that the hand study is a separate attempt at capturing the essence of the whole person or is it an integral part of the sketch? Curator: It's interesting to consider those hands—what do they symbolize in this context? Perhaps a deeper understanding of her inner state, given hands often represent action and creation. Editor: True, it's a powerful image. It invites us to contemplate the unspoken narratives we carry. Curator: Precisely. It’s fascinating how a simple sketch can evoke such a profound connection.