Male Profile Head 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross’s "Male Profile Head," created with graphite. It has a scientific feel, with all the annotations surrounding the portrait. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond the individual portrayed, it's fascinating to consider Ross's interest in the systematization of aesthetics. He used his artistic production to forward a view of art rooted in geometry, not just individual talent. How might that influence our understanding of artistic value then versus now? Editor: So it's not just a study, but also a statement on how we define art? Curator: Exactly. Consider the influence of institutions like the Bauhaus, which championed similar principles. It prompts us to reflect on how art is valued and legitimized. Editor: I never thought of it that way, it gives the portrait so much more depth.