Jean Stevenson 1937

Editor: This is Rita Angus's portrait, "Jean Stevenson", from 1937. It’s a pencil and graphite drawing. What immediately strikes me is the incredible stillness and directness of the gaze. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, yes, Jean. There’s something so utterly…present about her, isn’t there? Like she's looking right through us. You know, Angus often imbued her subjects with this profound sense of inner life, almost a quiet strength. It's more than just a likeness; it’s an… encounter. Editor: I see what you mean. There’s definitely a sense of connection, but it’s not necessarily warm or inviting. More…neutral? Almost confrontational, but quietly so. Curator: Confrontational, yes! Beautifully put. And think about the modernist influences, stripping away ornamentation, getting to the… the skeletal truth of the person. But there's also an interesting dance between realism and something else. Something… archetypal? Almost a classical quality, wouldn't you say? Have you noticed that slight asymmetry, that gives it life? Editor: I had noticed something pulling me in different directions. I wouldn't have articulated asymmetry and archetype but, now that you point them out, I appreciate this piece much more. The starkness with just pencil or graphite also resonates! Curator: Isn't that what great art does? It's never just *one* thing. I think Angus has captured not just a face, but a fragment of…well, human spirit. And that, for me, is the magic. Editor: Agreed. It is a stunning image. Thank you!