Head of a Pronghorn Antelope 19th-20th century

Curator: This is William Rowan's "Head of a Pronghorn Antelope," a delicate pencil drawing, measuring about 25 by 19 centimeters, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It evokes a poignant sense of vulnerability, doesn't it? The soft lines and the animal's gentle gaze… almost a silent plea. Curator: Absolutely. Pronghorn antelopes, symbols of the American West, often represented freedom and resilience. However, their populations have faced challenges due to habitat loss and human encroachment. Editor: So, the image carries that duality - the spirit of the wild, and the impact of its changing relationship with human society, subtly captured in a simple sketch. Curator: Precisely. The drawing becomes a cultural artifact, reflecting evolving attitudes towards nature and conservation. Editor: It's remarkable how much cultural narrative can be found within such a seemingly simple depiction of an animal head. Curator: Indeed, reminding us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves through images.