Untitled 1905 - 1915

Editor: This is an untitled pencil drawing, dated sometime between 1905 and 1915, by Jan Preisler, currently housed here at the Met. It's a fairly simple portrait, but the upward gaze gives it a really hopeful or maybe even yearning quality. What draws your eye in this work? Curator: The strength lies in the formal elements. Notice the subtle modeling of the face, achieved through the careful hatching and cross-hatching with pencil. It builds volume, defines bone structure, and most importantly, guides our eye. Editor: Yes, the light and shadow definitely create the shape. Curator: Exactly. And consider the composition. The artist placed the figure off-center, looking upwards and slightly out of frame. This imbalance creates a dynamic tension. Semiotically, the upward gaze often represents aspiration or spiritual seeking, which adds another layer of interpretation. Editor: It’s interesting that a simple drawing technique can convey so much depth. Curator: Precisely. Consider the line work itself. At times, the lines are bold and definite, delineating the contours. Elsewhere, the lines are light and almost evanescent, creating a sense of ethereal fragility. Editor: So, the drawing isn’t just about the subject matter but also the language of the lines themselves. Curator: Indeed. Preisler isn’t just showing us a person; he's using the formal elements of art to communicate something about human longing and the power of seeing itself. What at first seems like a basic drawing reveals complexity in its visual syntax. Editor: I didn't quite see that level of intent until now. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. It reveals itself more fully with closer study of those key structural choices.