Profile Sketch n.d.

This is William Michael Harnett’s "Profile Sketch," made with graphite on paper. Harnett was an Irish-American painter known for his still-life paintings of everyday objects, but this sketch offers a glimpse into his broader artistic practice. Consider the gaze of the figure, averted, perhaps lost in thought. The profile view, a classical art tradition, invites us to contemplate identity, and representation. The sketch, rendered in delicate lines, captures a sense of fleeting presence. How does this intimate portrayal challenge or reinforce traditional portraiture norms? It’s intriguing to consider this work in relation to debates about representation. Harnett, working in a society grappling with questions of inclusion, created a work that emphasizes the value of quiet reflection. This piece serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring individual experiences.