Sharp Nose 1972

Editor: This is "Sharp Nose," a 1972 drawing by Leonard Baskin. It’s a striking, monochrome portrait... almost a caricature. The contrast is intense, splitting the face in light and shadow. There's a sense of stoicism, but also vulnerability in the eyes. What do you see in this piece, what does it evoke for you? Curator: Oh, it's like gazing into a fragmented mirror, isn’t it? Baskin’s work often has this arresting duality, like a soul wrestling with itself. The sharp, almost brutal lines are offset by moments of tender detail, especially around the eyes. Look how he uses ink to sculpt not just a face, but a presence, a story etched onto the paper. The shadow feels like a mask, or perhaps the weight of history bearing down. Does the subject remind you of anything? Editor: Now that you mention the history... it's titled "Sharp Nose, Arapaho." So, an Indigenous person. The "mask" makes me think of cultural erasure and identity politics. The stark contrast becomes even more pointed. Curator: Precisely. Baskin had a deep interest in representing the human figure with both honesty and empathy, often drawing on historical and literary figures. Here, he's engaging with the complex legacy of representation. But also, what do you make of the loose, almost unfinished quality of the lines in places? Editor: I see that now! It gives the piece a feeling of immediacy, as though he’s capturing a fleeting moment. Almost like a memory rather than a perfect rendering. Curator: Indeed. Baskin wasn't aiming for photographic realism. He was after something more visceral, more emotionally resonant. And in that imbalance, the push and pull, lies the power. This isn't just a portrait; it’s an encounter. What a wonderful exchange of views this has turned out to be! Editor: Definitely! Thank you, I'm seeing this in a whole new light!