Head of a Grinning Man c. 19th century

Editor: This is Honoré Daumier's "Head of a Grinning Man." The sketch is small, only about 16 by 13 centimeters. The frenetic, almost scribbled lines make it seem so alive. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The formal qualities suggest a study in expressive line. Note how Daumier uses the density and direction of the lines to model form and convey emotion. Observe the concentration of marks around the eyes and mouth—what does that signify? Editor: Perhaps that's where the most emotion is conveyed. Curator: Precisely. The abstraction of form through line, eschewing traditional chiaroscuro, places emphasis on the semiotic potential of each stroke. What do you make of that? Editor: It really highlights the expression rather than realism. I never thought about line carrying so much emotion! Curator: Indeed, this analysis reveals Daumier's mastery of visual language.