Head of a Woman c. 20th century

Curator: Wilhelm Lehmbruck's drawing, "Head of a Woman," at the Harvard Art Museums, immediately strikes me with its delicate linework. There is something quite melancholy about the subject’s gaze. Editor: Indeed. The elongated features, coupled with the subtle use of chiaroscuro, lend the work a sense of vulnerability that speaks to the emotional climate of pre-war Europe. Curator: And consider how Lehmbruck engages with the artistic conventions of his time, moving away from strict academic realism. The sketch-like quality and the soft gradations emphasize interiority rather than precise representation. Editor: Absolutely. The composition directs our focus to the psychological depth of the sitter rather than any material reality. A rather poignant piece, especially knowing Lehmbruck's later struggles. Curator: Yes, it offers a glimpse into the emotional and intellectual landscape of the artist and the broader cultural milieu of the early 20th century. Editor: A fascinating exploration of form and feeling.