Family Group of Five Persons, Three-quarter-length 

Editor: This is Joseph Highmore’s sketch of a "Family Group of Five Persons," housed at the Tate. I find the composition quite captivating despite its simplicity. What strikes you first when looking at this piece? Curator: I’m drawn to the careful arrangement of figures within the defined pictorial space. Notice the interplay of lines and how Highmore uses hatching to suggest volume and depth. The composition appears to be structured around a subtle diagonal axis, directing the viewer's eye across the family unit. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't noticed the diagonal axis. Thanks for sharing. Curator: Indeed. The artist uses the interplay of the figures to direct the gaze. We often overlook these formal structures. Editor: I definitely will pay closer attention to that from now on.