Sir Thomas Lawrence c. 19th century

Editor: This is John Sartain's "Sir Thomas Lawrence," residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Its monochrome palette gives it a timeless feel. What strikes you about the composition? Curator: Note how Sartain utilizes chiaroscuro—the stark contrast of light and shadow. The artist manipulates tonal gradations to sculpt Lawrence's form, drawing our eye to the face. Observe the interplay between the textures as well. Editor: The face does draw me in. The expression is so subtle. Curator: Precisely. The balance of light and shadow, and the smooth textures create depth and complexity. The artist uses contrasts to define form. It is a dialogue of form. Editor: I see now how the artistic choices emphasize the subject's presence. Curator: Yes, a calculated arrangement of elements revealing more than a mere likeness.