Albert Rubens, after Rubens 1887

Curator: This drawing, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Albert Rubens, after Rubens" by Joseph Smith. It's a delicate rendering, all soft lines and subtle shading. Editor: It feels like a whisper—almost ghostly. The subject emerges from a haze of graphite. I'm immediately drawn to her gentle, knowing expression. Curator: Smith has captured the essence of Rubens’ style. Note the play of light and shadow, particularly around the face. The composition leads the eye directly to the sitter's gaze. Editor: Absolutely, yet the lightness of touch, the unfinished quality, adds a layer of vulnerability. It’s a portrait, but also a study of light and emotion. Curator: Indeed. Smith's skillful use of line creates a sense of depth despite the work's overall simplicity. Editor: I like how the simplicity allows you to fill in the blanks, to imagine the untold stories. Curator: A perceptive observation on this elegant portrait of Albert Rubens. Editor: Ultimately, I find it quite moving.