Sketch for ‘Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy’ 1828

Editor: This is John Varley's "Sketch for 'Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy'." It's a pencil drawing, and the composition is striking—three very similar faces, yet each subtly different. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Notice the linearity, the emphasis on contour. Each face is defined by delicate lines, revealing a fascination with form, not necessarily likeness. The subtle variations in the set of the eyes and the mouth are telling. Do you think Varley was trying to capture inherent structure? Editor: Possibly. It feels like he's exploring the range of human expression within a limited framework. I hadn't considered the importance of those slight changes in the eyes and mouth. Curator: Indeed. The sketch encourages us to contemplate the underlying principles of representation itself. How the smallest alterations can transform the whole. I find this work fascinating, with all its intrinsic qualities. Editor: I agree, I will certainly look at Varley’s work in a new light from now on.