Head of a Tiger 

Editor: Here we have John Macallan Swan’s sketch, "Head of a Tiger." It's a striking image, capturing a sense of raw power, even in its unfinished state. What symbolic weight do you think this image carries? Curator: Tigers, across cultures, often represent strength, courage, and even ferocity. But consider the gaze here. Does it project dominance, or perhaps a more vulnerable awareness? Editor: I hadn't considered vulnerability. It feels so assertive at first glance. Curator: Precisely. Swan plays with our expectations. He invokes the cultural memory of the tiger as a symbol of untamed power, yet subtly undermines it, inviting us to look deeper. What do you think? Editor: It makes me reconsider how we project meaning onto animals. Thanks for sharing your insights. Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how art can challenge our preconceived notions.