Male Head; verso: Male Head c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Edward Burne-Jones' pencil drawing, "Male Head," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small work, but the subject's gaze is quite arresting. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The stark linearity juxtaposed with the soft modeling establishes a compelling tension. Note how Burne-Jones uses hatching to define the neck and jawline, creating a sculptural effect. The formal asymmetry adds to the dynamism, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I see what you mean. I was initially drawn to the facial expression, but the use of line is much more varied than I noticed. Thank you. Curator: Indeed, the very visible structure reveals a deeper understanding of classical form. It’s a testament to the power of line and form.