Head of a Child 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have "Head of a Child," a pastel drawing by an imitator of Mary Cassatt, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Oh, what a sweet, tender drawing! There's such a vulnerability in that upward gaze, and the pastels give it a soft, dreamy quality. Curator: Indeed. The upward gaze is a classic symbol, often representing hope, aspiration, or even a connection to the divine. The artist captures the universally recognized image of childhood innocence. Editor: It feels very intimate too, like a stolen moment of observation. You know, there's a sense of maternal affection, almost a silent promise of protection in those strokes. Curator: I agree. It's fascinating how the unknown artist managed to evoke such profound emotions, echoing Cassatt's style while still imbuing the work with its own unique sensitivity. Editor: That's the magic of art, isn't it? To see the familiar in a new light, to feel the heartbeat across time. It certainly makes you ponder the universal experiences of childhood and motherhood.