Studies of a Swan, Verso: Study of a Wing c. 1832

Editor: This is Eugène Delacroix's "Studies of a Swan," a pencil drawing from the early 19th century, held at the Harvard Art Museums. The swan on the right, with its elegantly curved neck, dominates the composition. What symbolic weight do you think the swan carried for Delacroix? Curator: Swans, traditionally symbols of grace and purity, often represented transformation. Delacroix, however, captures them in raw, almost awkward poses. Does this disrupt or reinforce these established symbols? Perhaps he's exploring the swan's multifaceted nature, hinting at hidden depths beneath the surface. Editor: That's a compelling thought. It makes me reconsider my initial perception of the drawing. Curator: Indeed, art often challenges us to look beyond the familiar.