Two Separate Sketches, Upper One with a Pony at Right c. 1958

Curator: This is Josef Herman’s "Two Separate Sketches, Upper One with a Pony at Right," from the Tate collection, though the date of creation is unknown. Editor: It feels immediately somber. The stark contrast of the ink and the division of the page lend to an almost unsettling mood. Curator: Herman often focused on working people, imbuing them with a sense of dignity despite their hardships. Do you see that reflected here? Editor: Absolutely. The figures in both sketches seem huddled, perhaps exhausted. The heavy, dark ink emphasizes their weariness. There's a sort of quiet strength, wouldn't you say? Curator: Yes, a resilience. The upper sketch, though lighter, offers a small pony – a glimmer of hope or perhaps a memory. Editor: It's a poignant juxtaposition. The division allows for a direct comparison, highlighting the emotional weight carried in each scene. Curator: Herman’s use of negative space is also striking. It intensifies the focus on the figures and amplifies the feelings of isolation. Editor: It's as though the emptiness mirrors the characters' inner worlds, inviting us to consider their unspoken stories. This is deeply affecting. Curator: Indeed, a humble sketch, yet powerfully evocative.