Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice's poem "Anonymous Drawing" is a vivid portrayal of a scene that captures a moment of tension and social commentary. Through detailed imagery and subtle narrative, Justice explores themes of power, control, and the unseen dynamics of the historical and artistic context.

The poem opens with a description of a delicate young Black boy holding the reins of a horse: "A delicate young Negro stands / With the reins of a horse clutched loosely in his hands." The boy's delicacy and the loose grip on the reins set up a contrast with the potential power and unruliness of the horse. This juxtaposition raises questions about control and capability, hinting at the deeper social implications of the scene.

Justice further develops this tension by highlighting the horse's agitation: "Already the animal’s nostrils widen with rage or fear." The horse's reaction adds a sense of imminent action or danger, but the boy remains "smiling, passive and ornamental." His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the horse's energy, suggesting a forced composure or a role imposed upon him by his social status.

The boy's attire—"a fantastic livery / Of ruffles and puffed breeches"—emphasizes his ornamental function within the scene, reducing him to a mere accessory in the display of wealth and power. This depiction underscores the objectification and dehumanization inherent in his position.

Justice then shifts focus to the absent master, who "must have paid / For the artist’s trip up from Perugia, for the horse, for the boy, for / everything here, in fact." The master, who orchestrates this entire tableau, remains unseen and delayed, "Kept too long by his steward, perhaps, discussing / Some business concerning the estate." This delay becomes a crucial element in the poem, as it sets up the artist's subtle act of defiance.

The master’s meticulous concern with his appearance—"fussing / Over the details of his impeccable toilet"—contrasts with the urgency and vitality of the scene being captured. This preoccupation with trivialities highlights the superficial nature of his authority and control.

The poem culminates in the artist’s quiet rebellion: "The artist will have had his revenge for being made to wait, / A revenge not only necessary but right and clever — / Simply to leave him out of the scene forever." By excluding the master from the final drawing, the artist subverts the power dynamic, asserting his own control over the representation of the scene. This act of omission becomes a powerful statement about presence, absence, and the power of artistic expression.

In "Anonymous Drawing," Donald Justice masterfully uses the imagery and narrative of a historical scene to comment on issues of power, control, and representation. Through the careful depiction of the boy, the horse, and the absent master, Justice explores the complexities of social hierarchy and the ways in which art can challenge and redefine these structures. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the silent yet profound ways in which resistance and commentary can be embedded in creative works.

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