Six Head Studies c. 1715

Curator: Here we have Jean-Antoine Watteau's "Six Head Studies," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a delicate drawing, measuring roughly 22 by 21 centimeters. Editor: The texture of the paper is almost palpable, and I'm struck by how Watteau teases out so many nuances of emotion with just a few lines of red chalk. Curator: Indeed. Watteau’s mastery lies in his ability to capture the ephemeral through line and form. Observe how he uses hatching to create volume and shadow, particularly around the eyes and mouths. Editor: It's interesting to consider the accessibility of red chalk as a medium. Was it readily available to all artists, or did the pigment itself carry a certain social value? Curator: The sanguine medium lends itself to the study of physiognomy, a popular pursuit at the time, aimed at discerning character through facial features. Editor: And Watteau, seemingly, captures not just likeness but inner states. It makes you consider the role of labor in achieving such expressive economy. Curator: It's a testament to his skill. I agree; it certainly is more than a simple sketch. Editor: It’s certainly evocative and makes you consider the process.