Lady Haden, unfinished sketch 1895

Editor: So, here we have Whistler's unfinished sketch of Lady Haden. It's all lines and delicate shading. What do you see in this piece, considering its incomplete state? Curator: The beauty of this work resides precisely in its state of incompletion. Notice how the lack of defined form directs our attention to the linear structure itself. The hatching and cross-hatching create tonal variations, yes, but more importantly, they reveal the artist’s process. Editor: So, the process becomes the focal point, not necessarily the finished image? Curator: Precisely. We are invited to consider the materiality of the artwork, the intentionality of each mark, and the inherent qualities of the medium. Editor: That’s a very different way to look at an unfinished work; I'm glad I asked! Curator: Indeed, looking beyond the 'subject' is key to understanding such works.