Portrait of David 19th-20th century

Curator: It’s my pleasure to introduce Denman Waldo Ross’s painting, "Portrait of David," housed right here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its vulnerability; the figure's downward gaze and the soft, diffused light create a sense of intimacy. Curator: Absolutely, there is an internal feel here. In traditional iconography, depictions of figures often carry symbolic weight; here, the lack of adornment strips away external identifiers, leaving us with a raw, perhaps universal, human form. Editor: I see that too, and it makes me consider the gaze. Who is David? And why are we, the viewers, invited to observe this private moment? It brings up questions of power dynamics and representation. Curator: Perhaps it is less about power and more about empathy. The artist captures a moment of introspection, inviting us to connect with David on a deeply personal level, through shared feelings. Editor: Maybe. It's an image that definitely leaves one with more questions than answers, though. Curator: Indeed. It prompts us to reflect on how we perceive and interpret the human figure in art, and what narratives we impose upon it.