Sketches c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have a sheet of sketches by A. Claude Philippe de Thubières, comte de Caylus, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial reaction is that they appear like fleeting impressions of a theatrical performance, or perhaps studies for a grander composition. Curator: Caylus, as an engraver and antiquarian, was deeply invested in the production of images and dissemination of knowledge. Note the rapid, economical lines - likely executed in ink. Editor: The recurring motif of the horseman immediately brings to mind classical equestrian statues, emblems of power and authority, echoing through the ages. Curator: It's intriguing to consider how these drawings served as material explorations. Were they preparatory studies, independent works, or part of a larger pedagogical exercise? Editor: Perhaps they reflect a deeper fascination with the iconography of movement, struggle, and the heroic spirit. The figures seem caught in moments of intense drama. Curator: Absolutely, and considering his aristocratic background, Caylus’s engagement with both the physicality of art-making and its intellectual underpinnings is significant. Editor: Indeed, the sketches offer a tantalizing glimpse into the artist's mind, revealing not just skill but also a profound engagement with cultural symbols.