Head of a Man 19th-20th century

Curator: This is Head of a Man, attributed to Thomas Cowperthwait Eakins, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a study in quiet defiance, isn’t it? The upward gaze, that determined set to his jaw… Curator: Indeed. Eakins was deeply interested in realism, particularly the human form. This drawing, only about 15 centimeters square, exemplifies his dedication to anatomical accuracy. Editor: The man’s gaze definitely hints at a narrative. I wonder, what was he looking at? What was he thinking? Curator: Eakins challenged artistic conventions, so it’s plausible the gaze reflects a silent rebellion against artistic norms. Editor: It's interesting how the lack of context actually empowers the viewer to project their own stories and feelings onto the portrait. Curator: Precisely. It’s an unfinished moment that sparks dialogue, about both the subject and the artist.