Bust of Neptune c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Bernardino Consorti's "Bust of Neptune." I'm really struck by how classical it looks. What can you tell me about the composition and the use of line here? Curator: Observe how the artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching defines form, creating a sense of depth on a flat surface. Note, too, how the rigorous symmetry contributes to a feeling of order and permanence. Editor: So, it's all about the lines and balance creating the effect. Curator: Precisely. It is the artist's mastery of these formal elements that evokes the classical aesthetic you noted. Editor: I never thought about how much the technique contributes to the overall feeling. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Close visual analysis reveals so much.