Sketches of Five Statues: Love, Aristides, Putto with a Cat, Psyche, and Putto with a Dog 1845 - 1855

This graphite drawing on paper by John Gibson presents a collection of five statue sketches, each a study in classical form and pose. The composition, spread across the folded sheet, allows each figure to occupy its own space, yet they are unified by Gibson's delicate linework. The figures—Love, Aristides, a putto with a cat and dog, and Psyche—invite us to consider Gibson's engagement with classical ideals. The lines delineate not just the forms but also the subtle gradations of light and shadow, revealing a deep understanding of volume and texture. Gibson employs a semiotic system of classical forms and poses, each carrying its own cultural code, to engage in a discourse with the artistic traditions of the past. The drawing's power lies in its ability to destabilize our understanding of the statues. They appear as both studies and as independent works of art. This duality highlights the interplay between form and content, challenging the viewer to question fixed meanings and engage in ongoing interpretation.