Portrait of James Arnold 1837

Editor: This is Narcisse Othon's "Portrait of James Arnold," and though undated, it resides at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a small drawing, and I’m struck by the sitter’s direct gaze and how the artist uses line to convey texture. What formal qualities stand out to you? Curator: The composition is carefully constructed, wouldn't you agree? Note the balance achieved through the sitter's pose and the chair's armrest mirroring the angle of his body. Consider also the subtle gradations of tone that define the form, particularly in the face, achieved through delicate hatching. Editor: Yes, I see that now. The hatching creates depth where there might have been flatness. I had not considered the careful angles either, thank you! Curator: Indeed. It's through these formal strategies that Othon communicates not just a likeness, but also a sense of the sitter's character and station.