John Feeney 1923

Curator: Here we have Denman Waldo Ross’s 1923 drawing, "John Feeney." It is a subtle yet intriguing work on paper, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is of restrained energy; the subject seems both contained and ready to break free from the geometric lines encasing him. Curator: Notice how Ross meticulously overlaid the portrait with geometric lines. It’s not merely a likeness; it’s an exploration of form, rigorously constructed. Editor: I wonder, was this a common approach at the time, using geometry to depict portraiture? What were the prevailing attitudes toward representing the human form? Curator: The superimposition of geometric shapes is a fascinating way of depicting a subject; it hints at underlying structures and perhaps even universal forms. Editor: It makes me think about the role of academic training in shaping artistic vision. Were the artists expected to conform to this approach, or were they pushing back? Curator: A fascinating consideration, indeed. Ultimately, this portrait leaves us contemplating the harmony between structure and subjectivity. Editor: I'm left pondering how this geometrical approach to portraiture reflects broader cultural shifts of the early 20th century.