Hero and Leander; verso: Seated Female Nude c. 18th century

Curator: This somber wash drawing is Alexander Runciman's "Hero and Leander," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. There is no date associated with the work. Editor: It’s a bleak composition, isn't it? Raw, almost unfinished in its application of washes, but deeply evocative of despair and loss. Curator: Runciman, active in the late 18th century, often depicted scenes from mythology and literature that explored themes of love and tragedy. Consider the context of Romanticism, where individual emotion and dramatic narratives were highly valued. Editor: The lack of precise detail draws my attention to the materiality – the paper itself, the stark contrast of light and shadow achieved with simple washes. It emphasizes the raw, unfiltered emotion. Curator: Exactly! The sketch-like quality almost brings us closer to Runciman's own process, highlighting the performative aspect of artistic creation during this period. And how the story itself was told and retold. Editor: Perhaps it’s in the immediacy of the medium. It’s more like bearing witness to a moment of human vulnerability, rather than observing a carefully constructed tableau. Curator: Yes, a fitting testament to the story's enduring power. Editor: A poignant reminder that even in sketches, materials can convey profound emotions.