Head and Forepart of a Tiger 

Editor: This is John Macallan Swan's "Head and Forepart of a Tiger," a drawing held at the Tate. The tiger seems so full of energy, even unfinished. What do you make of Swan's technique here? Curator: Note how the artist uses line to define form. See the economy of the strokes? Observe the interplay of brown chalk, black charcoal, and white highlights. Editor: It almost feels like the tiger is about to leap off the page, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. The dynamism arises from the strategic placement of these forceful lines, conveying musculature and potential movement. The blank areas also contribute significantly to the sense of motion and suggest that the piece remains open, unfinished. Editor: I see. Thanks for pointing out the relation between the marks and the implied movement. Curator: A close look at the formal elements reveals the piece's essence. I'm glad I could offer some clarity.