About this artwork
Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross's pencil drawing, "Norman McLeod." It’s a fairly small portrait on paper, and it feels almost… mathematical in its construction? What's your take? Curator: Mathematical, yes! I see those radiating lines—almost like an anatomical study, stripping away the superficial to reveal underlying structure. And there's a real tenderness in the gaze that softens the academic approach. Is it successful? I think so. Editor: So, it's both analytical and intimate? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Exactly! A dance between precision and feeling. It makes you wonder about Ross's relationship with McLeod. A student? A friend? A muse perhaps? Editor: That adds a whole new layer for me; I will definitely look closer next time.
Artwork details
- Dimensions
- actual: 35.6 x 25.5 cm (14 x 10 1/16 in.)
- Location
- Harvard Art Museums
- Copyright
- CC0 1.0
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About this artwork
Editor: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross's pencil drawing, "Norman McLeod." It’s a fairly small portrait on paper, and it feels almost… mathematical in its construction? What's your take? Curator: Mathematical, yes! I see those radiating lines—almost like an anatomical study, stripping away the superficial to reveal underlying structure. And there's a real tenderness in the gaze that softens the academic approach. Is it successful? I think so. Editor: So, it's both analytical and intimate? I hadn't considered that. Curator: Exactly! A dance between precision and feeling. It makes you wonder about Ross's relationship with McLeod. A student? A friend? A muse perhaps? Editor: That adds a whole new layer for me; I will definitely look closer next time.
Comments
Share your thoughts