Seated Woman, Head between Knees 19th-20th century

Editor: This is "Seated Woman, Head between Knees," attributed to an imitator of Auguste Rodin. It's a small watercolor piece at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure's pose is so withdrawn; what strikes you most about the composition? Curator: The piece is defined by the interplay of line and form. Note how the curvature of the figure contrasts with the implied geometric plane upon which she seems to levitate. What effect does this contrast produce, do you think? Editor: It emphasizes her isolation, her detachment from the world. The minimal color palette also contributes to that feeling. Curator: Precisely. The restricted palette heightens the focus on the formal elements, the pure shapes, and their relationship within the pictorial space. It all directs our attention to the psychological tension expressed through the body. Editor: I see that now. Thank you. I'll definitely look at Rodin's work with new eyes. Curator: And I, at imitations.