Standing Man; verso: Studies of a Procession of Children 16th-17th century

Curator: This is "Standing Man; verso: Studies of a Procession of Children" by the School of Matteo Rosselli, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a striking drawing. The reddish-brown chalk gives it a warmth, but also a sort of restless, unfinished energy. Curator: Indeed, the medium here is red chalk on paper. It’s interesting how the artist uses line to define form and volume, especially in the drapery. The verso also suggests it was probably a study piece. Editor: Yes, it appears functional, not meant for display perhaps. The economy of the line speaks volumes about the ready availability of paper in the workshop; we see the artist grappling with the fall and weight of the cloth. Curator: Precisely. There's something about the directness of the chalk, you know? It feels immediate, like we’re right there in the artist’s studio, watching the idea take shape. Editor: Absolutely. A raw glimpse into artistic practice, revealing more about the artist's daily life and habits of production than perhaps the grand finished works on display in the next gallery. Curator: Well, this piece certainly offers us a new perspective on the daily grind of being an artist.