Mr Currie. Half Length, in Profile to Left 

Editor: This is John Downman's "Mr. Currie. Half Length, in Profile to Left," housed at the Tate. The man's rosy cheeks are the first thing you notice. What elements of its composition stand out to you? Curator: Observe how Downman masterfully uses line and form to construct the subject's profile. Note the curvature of the nose, echoed in the sweep of the hair and the fall of the cravat. The limited palette also serves to focus attention on the formal relationships within the portrait. Editor: I hadn't thought about the repetition of curves before. Curator: The artist's selection of media also directs our understanding, doesn't it? The chalk medium offers a texture that interacts with the geometric form of the painting. Editor: It's amazing how much can be seen just by looking at the structure. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Indeed! Paying close attention to visual elements unlocks new levels of meaning.