King Arthur of Britain and Queens from the Tomb of Maximilian, Hofkirche, Innsbruck, Austria 1870 - 1871

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent’s graphite study, “King Arthur of Britain and Queens from the Tomb of Maximilian," now residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a rehearsal of sorts, isn’t it? A staging. Editor: It feels incredibly formal, almost severe, despite being just a sketch. The figures seem frozen in time, like specters of a bygone era. Curator: Sargent was captivated by the memorial statues in Innsbruck’s Hofkirche. Arthur, a figure of British legend, stands opposite the Habsburg queens. It's a carefully constructed juxtaposition. Editor: The contrast is striking. Arthur, solid and armored, embodies strength, while the queens, veiled and ethereal, evoke a sense of mystery and perhaps mourning. Curator: Sargent uses light and shadow to emphasize their otherworldliness. Notice how the graphite seems to dance across their gowns, creating a shimmer effect. It does make one think of memory. Editor: Yes, a kind of collective memory… of lineage and power, but also of loss. It seems like Sargent is exploring the weight of history itself. Curator: Precisely. It's a fascinating peek into Sargent's artistic process. He sees the story as it unfolds. Editor: It’s almost as if he’s inviting us to decipher the symbols within this visual equation.