Hepburn, Katherine 03-05-63 1963

Curator: Don Bachardy's line drawing, Hepburn, Katherine 03-05-63, captures the iconic actress in ink on paper. Editor: Stark! It immediately strikes me as an almost severe rendering, stripped down and intensely focused on her gaze. Curator: The date is important; 1963 places it squarely within Hepburn’s mid-career, a moment of established stardom but before her later, more reflective roles. We see a figure grappling with the burdens of fame. Editor: Absolutely, but the symbolism is subtle, not overt. The hands, clasped but not clenched, suggest both control and vulnerability, almost like a mask of composure. Curator: I agree. It’s hard to see past the male gaze on a woman who refused to play by patriarchal rules, a woman known for her intellect and ambition. Editor: But Bachardy offers us a glimpse into her inner state as an established star, even if it’s refracted through the lens of contemporary cultural norms and visual language. Curator: It's certainly a nuanced perspective of a woman who challenged the expectations of her era. Editor: Indeed, and I find the interplay of strength and fragility quite compelling.