Left and Right Hands, for "Rosalie" 1835

Editor: Here we have Washington Allston’s study, "Left and Right Hands, for 'Rosalie'," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The soft lines give it an almost ghostly feel, but I’m curious, what do you see in this piece beyond just a sketch? Curator: Hands, throughout art history, have been loaded with meaning, haven't they? Think of the ‘Hand of God’ bestowing blessings, or hands clasped in prayer. This pairing, however, suggests a more subtle narrative. Editor: Subtle how? Curator: Consider the title, "for 'Rosalie'". Whose hands are these meant to be? The open hand could represent offering or receptivity, while the other, pointing, might indicate direction or even accusation. It hints at a complex relationship. Editor: So, beyond being a study, it’s a glimpse into character? Curator: Precisely! Allston uses the symbolic language of gesture to foreshadow Rosalie's role and emotional landscape within the larger composition. The hands become a microcosm of the story itself. Editor: That’s fascinating! I’ll never look at a hand study the same way again.