Male Head 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross's "Male Head," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a study, certainly. The graphite lines are direct but tentative, like the artist is searching for form. Curator: Ross, a Harvard professor, advocated for principles of pure design. He promoted art’s role in elevating public taste, influencing a generation. Editor: Graphite on paper - accessible, democratic. It speaks of labor, of learning, of the everyday practice inherent in mastering a skill. This wasn't meant to be monumental. Curator: Perhaps. But Ross's focus on aesthetic systems had a significant impact on the Arts and Crafts movement. Editor: Still, it's lovely to see the bare bones of artistic thought process exposed this way. Curator: It reminds us how academic tastes shape broader culture. Editor: It's a humble reminder of the physical act of drawing.