Male Head 19th-20th century

Editor: This is Denman Waldo Ross's "Male Head," a pencil drawing. The face is so precisely structured within the geometric guides. What do you see in the careful articulation of form? Curator: The skeletal structure of this portrait intrigues me. Ross appears concerned less with representational accuracy and more with the underlying geometric architecture. Notice the superimposition of circles and squares. Editor: Yes, I do, almost like a mathematical proof underpinning the portrait. Is this common for portraiture of this period? Curator: Not necessarily, but it reflects a formalist approach, prioritizing structure over subjective expression. Observe how the angularity of the hair contrasts with the smooth curves of the face, each form carefully rendered. The use of line weight and hatching creates a sense of depth, however limited. Editor: It’s almost as if the subject is secondary to the exploration of geometric relationships. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. It highlights the artist’s focus on the intrinsic visual elements. It's been a pleasure discussing this work with you.