As One Came Near with Curl'd Gray Beard, Sharp Eyes, and Smooth Bald Crown 1885

Will Hicock Low created the ink wash drawing, "As One Came Near with Curl'd Gray Beard, Sharp Eyes, and Smooth Bald Crown," likely during the late 19th century, a period when classical themes were often revisited to reflect contemporary ideals. The drawing depicts a tender, yet fraught moment between a young couple, observed by an older, scholarly figure. The scene evokes a sense of impending decision or transition, set against a backdrop that merges classical architecture with a celestial, star-filled sky. Low uses the classical setting not merely as historical decoration but as a stage upon which personal dramas of love, duty, and perhaps sacrifice unfold. The figures, draped in classical garb, invite us to consider how societal expectations and personal desires intersect. The woman’s gentle touch contrasts with the man’s veiled face, suggesting a conflict between emotional vulnerability and the need to conceal feelings, a theme still relevant today. The presence of the older man, with his books and discerning gaze, hints at the weight of tradition and judgment. This work encourages us to contemplate how love and identity are negotiated within the constraints of social norms and historical legacies, reflecting both the beauty and the burdens of the past.