Dimensions: support: 114 x 190 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: This lovely drawing is by Thomas Stothard, from around the late 18th or early 19th century. It's a series of head studies in pen and ink, and there's something so immediate about the artist's hand. What do you notice when you look at it? Curator: Well, immediately, I'm struck by the artist's confidence, aren't you? The line is so sure, almost playful. It feels like Stothard was thinking aloud with his pen. Look how he captures different expressions and angles. What story do you think each face is telling? Editor: It's like a casting call for a historical drama! I hadn't thought about the stories behind each expression. Curator: Exactly! And that's the beauty of a sketch like this. It's not just about technical skill; it's about capturing a fleeting moment, a feeling, a character. It’s delightful, really. Editor: I'll never look at sketches the same way again. Thanks!