Head of a Horse; verso: Sheep's Head and Study of a Sheep (?) c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have a drawing attributed to Anthony van Dyck titled "Head of a Horse," with studies of sheep on the verso. Editor: The initial impression is one of contained power, wouldn't you agree? The tightly controlled lines evoke a sense of restrained energy in this study. Curator: Absolutely. It is thought such studies of animals were produced in preparation for larger-scale equestrian portraits, reflecting the importance of horses within the aristocratic circles Van Dyck served. Editor: Notice the line weight, the modulation of the graphite to create form. Van Dyck is so deliberate with his marks, achieving a remarkable sense of volume with seemingly minimal effort. Curator: Indeed, the drawing's subtle details reveal the artist’s keen observation of equine anatomy and the societal role of horses as symbols of wealth and status. Editor: A fascinating glimpse into the artist's process and the social landscape of the time. Curator: Precisely. The drawing reveals how artists translate observation into representation.