Sketch of a Woman Holding a Plate; verso: Sketch of a Man Holding a Hat 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Valentine Schevill’s “Sketch of a Woman Holding a Plate; verso: Sketch of a Man Holding a Hat.” It's part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums, though it is undated. Editor: There’s a quiet dignity in this sketch. The woman's direct gaze and simple attire evoke a sense of resilience, wouldn't you say? Curator: The sketch's existence within an academic institution invites questions about the role of artistic training and the social positioning of both the artist and the model. Editor: Absolutely. And I wonder about the woman's place in society. Is she a servant? A member of the artist's family? The absence of detail encourages us to fill in the blanks. Curator: The act of depicting everyday life, even in a sketch, had sociopolitical undertones. Who gets represented, and how, is always telling. Editor: It makes me reflect on how far representation has come, and how far it still has to go. This sketch is a starting point, a reminder of historical inequalities. Curator: A powerful note to end on. Editor: Indeed.