Woman in a Dress c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have Elie Nadelman's "Woman in a Dress," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a strange, haunting quality to it. The minimalist lines almost abstract the figure. Curator: Nadelman's sculptural training is evident in the way he uses line to suggest form, even volume. The stylized face, for example, is so elegantly reduced. Editor: I'm curious about the printmaking process. How does the artist's hand translate through the plate and ink? What sort of labor goes into pulling each impression? Curator: Well, that focus on production shifts our attention away from the formal composition, the way the curved lines echo throughout the piece. Editor: I just think it's essential to consider how the artwork was physically made, because that choice fundamentally impacts the visual qualities. Curator: An interesting point—one I will certainly be pondering. Editor: As will I—thanks for sharing your insights.