St Sebastian before Diocletian 18th century

Curator: Right now, we're looking at "St Sebastian before Diocletian," an 18th-century pencil drawing, held here at the SMK. There's something grand, almost operatic about it, don't you think? Editor: It does feel expansive, in terms of visual storytelling, but the gray scale leaches some of the possible impact and leaves it… flat? Curator: Interesting. To my eye, the academic style emphasizes a story we already know: here’s Diocletian in all his might, towering on that platform, seemingly bored even as Saint Sebastian stands before him, framed by that turbulent, cloudlike vision overhead… Editor: Cloudlike… yes. Those wispy, vague, shapes lend this historical record a celestial aspect which creates this really strong feeling of inevitable justice about the whole situation. Also, all those Roman soldiers massed around feel more decorative than intimidating. Curator: Perhaps! But there is also all that intricate detail, like the meticulous rendering of Diocletian's robes. See how that contributes to the hierarchy, to this sense of power emanating from the figure… it almost feels palpable, doesn’t it? And look at Sebastian's subtle contrapposto stance. There's an understanding of human anatomy at play. Editor: Absolutely, it's all very technically proficient. I just find myself wanting more...feeling. Despite the drama unfolding. Perhaps the medium subdues what otherwise could burst forth, were it in a fully rendered painting. Curator: I wonder if the lack of color allows for a deeper focus on form and composition? Maybe the artist's intent was to strip away the superficial, get down to the core of the narrative? Editor: I am not sure it worked. Perhaps what I sense is an unfinished piece, since for me it begs to be "filled". All those open spaces, it needs colors, tones...life. But if that's how it impacts me, then it already means something I need to mull over some more, I suppose. Curator: An artwork always invites introspection...and hopefully provokes dialogue, such as what we have here! Thanks for sharing your perspective. Editor: Indeed. It has left me thinking and, perhaps, that's the most that one can ask for when considering any piece, right?