Study of John Hommel 19th-20th century

Curator: This drawing, held here at the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Study of John Hommel" by Eugene Speicher. Editor: The subject's gaze is very direct. It has an almost unsettling intensity, yet there's a vulnerability in the lines around his eyes. Curator: Speicher was known for his portraits, often capturing a sense of dignity and inner life. This work is particularly compelling, though undated, in how it conveys the sitter's character. Do you see any recurring symbols? Editor: Not overtly, but the meticulous detail given to his beard juxtaposed with the looser rendering of his coat suggests a focus on intellect and wisdom. Perhaps the beard, a traditional symbol of masculinity, is re-imagined here as a signifier of knowledge. Curator: It's fascinating how Speicher uses light and shadow to sculpt Hommel's face, drawing our attention to his expression. It highlights the socio-economic status of the sitter, no? Editor: Perhaps, but also it humanizes him. It reminds us that even within these societal structures, there is individual experience and emotion. It’s more than just a study, it's an encounter. Curator: Yes, a visual record of an interaction.