Drapery Study 19th-20th century

Editor: This is William Valentine Schevill's "Drapery Study," from the Harvard Art Museums. The starkness of the graphite against the paper makes me focus on the folds and textures. What can you tell me about the process? Curator: Consider the artist’s labor; each line represents a conscious decision. The artist uses graphite to explore the tactile qualities of fabric. What kind of social context do you think drove his interest in this subject matter and medium? Editor: Perhaps the simplicity allowed for accessibility in both creation and appreciation? I hadn't thought of it that way before! Curator: Exactly. By focusing on the materials and process, we gain a deeper understanding of both the artist's intent and the artwork's potential social relevance.