Sketches of the Three Kings; verso: Sketches of Male Figures 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Valentine Schevill’s "Sketches of the Three Kings; verso: Sketches of Male Figures," held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The sepia and black ink give this sketch a somber quality; the figures seem caught in moments of reflection or supplication. Curator: Note how the artist uses contrasting media to distinguish different groups; the red chalk perhaps a study in emotion versus the stark clarity of the ink sketches. Think of the economic realities of art production at the time. Editor: The composition, though fragmented, displays a clear formal logic. The lines direct the eye, creating depth despite the lack of color or shading beyond the hatching. Curator: Interesting to consider what Schevill might have been thinking about regarding labor practices and patronage while sketching this piece. Editor: Yes, perhaps, but the emotional weight and visual harmony, regardless of its origins, leaves one thoughtful.