Fredolf Jacobson 19th-20th century

Curator: Oh, look at this portrait, "Fredolf Jacobson" by Denman Waldo Ross, held at the Harvard Art Museums. The brushwork looks pretty vigorous. Editor: It's catching my eye, that is for sure. There's a vulnerability in the subject's face that's making me connect with it. Feels almost like he's unsure of something. Curator: The way Ross has used the impasto technique really emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself. You can see the individual strokes, the layered applications. Editor: That intense application almost feels like a barrier. I wonder if he's consciously created distance while also trying to create a likeness? Curator: Considering Ross's background, it's possible he was experimenting with different artistic styles and approaches to portraiture. The dimensions are 35.6 x 25.4 cm, quite intimate, really. Editor: Intimate, yes, but also a bit guarded. Still, there is something undeniably captivating about the direct gaze. Curator: I agree. It's a compelling example of how artistic choices impact our perception. Editor: Absolutely, and that makes all the difference.