Island of Capri 22 - 1869

Curator: This sketch is John Singer Sargent's "Island of Capri," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's such a serene, almost melancholic, scene. The island looms with a quiet strength, doesn't it? Curator: The rough texture achieved through graphite suggests an interesting relationship with labor. Sargent, often associated with elite portraiture, also engaged with more immediate modes of capturing landscapes. Editor: Right, and consider the historical context. Capri was a haven for artists and writers seeking alternative lifestyles, escaping rigid social norms. I wonder how that sense of freedom is embedded in this seemingly simple drawing? Curator: Absolutely. The very act of sketching, as opposed to a formal painting, signals a different engagement with the location. Editor: It offers a glimpse into Sargent's perspective and relationship with place, one that steps away from his typical subjects. Curator: A refreshing look at Sargent's technique in capturing this idyllic island view. Editor: It invites us to consider the complex interplay of place, identity, and artistic expression.