Head of an Old Woman: Hanne 1890 - 1898

Editor: Here we have Suze Robertson’s drawing, "Head of an Old Woman: Hanne." The charcoal feels so immediate and raw. What can you tell us about the materials and process? Curator: Notice how the rough paper support isn’t concealed; it actively participates in the image. Robertson uses the charcoal less for illusion than for its physical properties, building up a gritty surface to express the harsh realities of labor and aging. It asks us to consider the socioeconomic context. Editor: So, it’s less about idealizing age and more about showing its effects? Curator: Precisely. Robertson highlights the materiality of both subject and medium, challenging romantic portrayals of women and focusing on the lived experience shaped by labor. Think about the accessibility of charcoal as a medium. Editor: It definitely changes how I see it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Materiality matters!