Portrait Study, a Head of a Woman. Verso: Sketch and a Caricature 1872

Curator: This is Sir Francis Seymour Haden's, "Portrait Study, a Head of a Woman," held here at the Tate. Editor: It's immediately striking – so delicate. There's a sadness there, a thoughtful introspection, wouldn’t you say? Curator: Absolutely. Haden, though a surgeon by profession, was deeply committed to etching, and this work showcases his masterful control of line. It also reveals the cultural fascination with portraiture in the 19th century. Editor: Yes, there is an urgency to the sketch, and something really compelling in the subtle emotional undertones that the artist captured. It feels very much alive, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. Haden's ability to convey such depth with such economy is remarkable. Editor: You know, looking at it again, there's a real sense of intimacy here, like we're sharing a quiet moment with the sitter. Curator: Exactly. It gives you the chance to reflect on that brief shared moment with the artist.