Head of man, open-mouthed and wide-eyed 

Editor: Here we have an ink, chalk, and charcoal drawing on paper, titled "Head of man, open-mouthed and wide-eyed," created sometime in the 18th century, attributed to François Gérard. It's quite dramatic; the stark contrasts in shading really amplify the subject's apparent shock. What's your take on it? Curator: This image speaks volumes about the evolving role of portraiture and the burgeoning interest in individual psychology during the 18th century. We often see these kinds of studies—think of physiognomy—seeking to map inner states onto outward appearances. The open mouth, the wide eyes... Do you see it as purely expressive, or could it be referencing something more specific? Perhaps a theatrical performance, or even a medical study? Editor: It's hard to say, isn't it? The artist uses a rough sketch style instead of fine, controlled strokes, and that complicates pinning it to a single historical purpose. It also gives the subject, and by extension the artist, the air of rebelliousness. Curator: That rough quality is very revealing. Art academies were establishing rigid standards, but we also see the rise of the individual artist, eager to forge their own path. How did representations of mental states intersect with broader social ideas of what it meant to be human in the Enlightenment era? Editor: I hadn't considered that. So, rather than just a study of one man's face, it becomes an argument about individual expression versus academic rigidity? Curator: Precisely. These seemingly small sketches were often battlegrounds for artistic and social ideologies. We see the individual emerging within—or against—established structures of power and representation. Editor: It’s amazing to realize how much history can be packed into a simple sketch. It's not just about capturing a likeness, but a reflection of artistic freedom and societal values. Curator: Exactly! It highlights the profound interconnection between artistic practice and broader cultural and intellectual shifts.