Head of a Bearded Man c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Head of a Bearded Man," a red chalk drawing attributed to Correggio. It's a small but striking study. What do you make of its presentation in the Harvard Art Museums? Curator: Well, the presentation itself—the act of framing and displaying this drawing—elevates what might have been a preparatory sketch into a work of art for public consumption. How does that impact your understanding? Editor: It feels different, knowing it's in a museum. It almost feels like we're meant to see it as a statement, beyond just a study of form. Curator: Precisely. Museums play a crucial role in defining what we value as art, influencing not only our perception of this drawing but also how we understand Correggio's place in art history. Editor: That's fascinating, I'll definitely think about that next time I see a drawing on display. Curator: Indeed, by thinking about the politics of imagery we can begin to appreciate a whole new layer of meaning.