Portrait of Nicholas Pauli c. 18th century

Curator: Right now we’re looking at Adolf Ulric Wertmüller's "Portrait of Nicholas Pauli," housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums, a delicate drawing rendered on paper. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its unfinished quality—the sketchiness really highlights the raw materiality of charcoal or graphite on paper. You can practically feel the artist's hand moving. Curator: It's interesting you say that! It feels deeply intimate, as though Wertmüller were capturing Pauli in a moment of quiet contemplation. Editor: Definitely. And consider the paper itself—its texture, its absorbency. These weren't mass-produced materials; each sheet had its own unique character, influencing the final work. Curator: It’s true. The slight imperfections of the surface enhance the feeling of a fleeting moment captured for eternity. Editor: Exactly! It also makes me think about the cost of the materials. Charcoal was cheap but high quality paper a significant expense! Curator: So, perhaps this portrait is more than just a likeness; it’s a testament to Wertmüller’s skill and sensitivity. Editor: I like that – a tangible reminder of art's grounded nature.