Head of an Elk 19th-20th century

Editor: William Rowan's "Head of an Elk," a small graphite drawing held at the Harvard Art Museums, has such a quiet, stately presence. I'm curious, what stories do you see etched in the graphite lines of this elk's face? Curator: Oh, I see a gentle giant, caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. You know, the blank background almost makes it feel like a memory, a fleeting glimpse of something wild and free. What do you think Rowan was trying to capture with such stark simplicity? Editor: Perhaps a raw, unadorned essence of the animal, a tribute to its natural nobility. It makes you wonder about the artist's connection with nature. Thanks, that's something I'll keep in mind!