Head of a Man 1886

Editor: Here we have Van Gogh's "Head of a Man," a pencil drawing from 1886, currently residing in the Van Gogh Museum. I find it striking how little detail is present in the eyes and the textures are a little rough and very gestural. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Precisely. Let us examine the formal properties. The hurried, almost frenetic, application of pencil strokes, observe how they build volume. The hatching and cross-hatching articulate form through tonal variation rather than contour. Editor: Yes, I noticed the use of cross-hatching! It gives it depth, especially around the head. Curator: Note too, the composition. The artist does not completely fill the visual space. There's a negative space to contend with here; an ambiguous use of a portrait, almost like he is being swallowed into nothingness. Editor: It seems to reflect how Van Gogh was dealing with himself more than drawing somebody he saw. Curator: That might be a possibility. What structural observations could be gleaned in light of such assertion? Editor: What do you mean? Curator: Well, does such gestural and structural configuration affirm the notion of a mere psychological portrait, instead of something trying to replicate his reality? Or do we still need to see it with its aesthetic merit? Editor: I think you've convinced me. The structure definitely makes it read more like an exploration of the artist than an exploration of reality, if that makes sense. Curator: It is through careful attention to the arrangement of line and form that meaning arises. I hope our conversation about structural and philosophical elements has brought you valuable perspective to the piece. Editor: Definitely! Now I can see it with both psychological insight and an emphasis on his technique! Thanks for walking me through it!