Caricature of a Junkman [recto], Caricature of a School Master [verso] 1734 - 1789

Editor: Here we have Jean Charles Delafosse's "Caricature of a Junkman", made between 1734 and 1789. It’s a drawing, in watercolor, of a rather strange looking fellow. What strikes me is how deliberately distorted the figure is. What do you see in this piece, from a formalist perspective? Curator: The most striking element, I think, is the artist's handling of proportion and line. Observe how the artist manipulates the figure's anatomy. The oversized head and ears, in stark contrast to the diminutive torso and legs, immediately establish a sense of visual tension. How do you feel that that watercolor is impacting the structure and emotion of this piece? Editor: I hadn't quite considered it in that way, but the watery, diluted washes create a sense of fragility. It almost feels like the figure could dissolve away. Curator: Precisely. The subtle gradations of color contribute to the overall delicacy of the work, even as the sharp, deliberate lines defining the figure’s outline push against the soft nature of the pigment. Editor: It’s a bit of a paradox, then. It presents itself as light and fleeting, but the underlying lines, structure, composition and deliberate, constructed caricature. Curator: It would be fair to suggest such a contradiction is the foundation of its very essence. The tension between spontaneity and control, fragility and strength is quite arresting. It suggests that even in caricature, a structured understanding is critical. Editor: I appreciate your insights; focusing on the building blocks has completely shifted my understanding. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. This sort of work shows us how structural elements reveal far more than meets the eye.