Jaw of a Balaena Mysteretus of Greenland; Balaena Antipodium of New Zealand 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Jaw of a Balaena Mysteretus of Greenland; Balaena Antipodium of New Zealand," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The starkness of the pencil on paper contrasts dramatically with the immensity these whale jaws would have possessed. There’s a feeling of vulnerability here. Curator: Indeed. Note how Sargent uses line weight to define the complex structure. The top jaw, Balaena Mysteretus, exhibits a lighter touch, almost diagrammatic. Editor: And below, the Balaena Antipodium is rendered with much denser shading, evoking a sense of weight and perhaps even decay. It’s quite visceral, wouldn't you agree? Curator: One might say so, yes. The comparative study is evident, though, showcasing subtle differences in form and proportion. Editor: It is a poignant reminder of the scale of these creatures and our impact on them, even in a simple sketch. A quiet meditation.