Angel, after Desiderio da Settignano 1889

Curator: This drawing, "Angel, after Desiderio da Settignano," by Joseph Smith, captures a Renaissance sculpture. There is an incredible softness in the depiction. Editor: I immediately notice the light and shadow play. It gives the angel a real sense of depth despite the monochrome palette. What do you think about his method of reproduction? Curator: Well, Smith’s choice of drawing rather than sculpture highlights a shift in artistic labor. He appropriates the original artwork, transforming a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional representation. Editor: True, but observe how Smith renders the wings, almost weightless, and contrasts with the solidity of the angel’s form. It is not an exact replica; it's a considered response. Curator: I agree. Smith reframes Desiderio's angel, forcing us to think about art production and its many forms. Editor: Indeed, it makes you ponder the nature of art itself.