Bald old man with a short beard, in profile right 1837 - 1866

Editor: This drawing, "Bald old man with a short beard, in profile right," is attributed to Antoine Alphée Piaud, created sometime between 1837 and 1866. It's an ink drawing on paper, quite small, and evokes a feeling of introspection. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a portrait that prompts us to consider aging and representation, particularly of masculinity. How often do we see the unvarnished truth of aging, especially male aging, depicted with such starkness? Consider how power dynamics shift as we age. Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't thought about power. It does feel very… exposed. Curator: Precisely. The artist doesn’t shy away from the realities of age, the thinning hair, the lines etched into the face. This resists a culture obsessed with youthful virility. Consider, too, how this image may engage with discussions around visibility and invisibility – are older men rendered invisible by society, only to be reclaimed through such honest portrayals? Editor: It’s as if the artist is reclaiming that visibility. Curator: Exactly. And there's also a connection to be drawn to ideas around class and labor, the beard suggests to me a middle or lower class standing, making this not a representation of the elite but perhaps a reflection of everyday life, made timeless by art. Who has the privilege to have their story told? How is portraiture usually linked to wealth and power? Editor: It completely changes how I see it, framing the piece around social commentary adds depth. Curator: Indeed, art has a potent political voice and by connecting it with a radical reading of reality, it allows us a glimpse into alternative ideas of gender and social commentary. Thank you for helping reveal this man's enduring power and significance!