Persian c. 18th century

Editor: This is Jean Daullé's "Persian", housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The texture and layering create a somber yet distinguished presence. What do you see in this piece that stands out? Curator: Observe how the artist masterfully employs chiaroscuro to sculpt the figure. The density of the cross-hatching in the darker areas contrasts exquisitely with the sparsely etched highlights. Note the textural variations, especially in the rendering of fabric versus flesh. Editor: So, it's about the relationship between light and shadow and the way the artist used the material. Curator: Precisely. The success of this piece resides in its formal qualities; line, tone, and texture, operating within a structured visual framework. Editor: Fascinating. I'll definitely pay closer attention to those elements.