Perseus and Medusa, after the Antique; Profile Head 1869

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent’s pencil sketch, Perseus and Medusa, after the Antique, held at the Harvard Art Museums. The starkness of the pencil against the white paper creates a very classical, almost severe mood. What do you see in the lines and composition of this study? Curator: Note how Sargent emphasizes the contrapposto stance of Perseus, exaggerating the weight shift to create a dynamic tension. The lines themselves are economical, yet descriptive. Are you struck by how the composition directs the viewer's gaze? Editor: Yes, the positioning of Medusa's head, out to the side, creates an interesting visual tension. Is it meant to show the power or the awkwardness of the moment? Curator: Precisely. Sargent is less concerned with narrative and more with exploring the formal relationships—the interplay of line, form, and the strategic deployment of negative space. It is a study in visual economy and dynamic equilibrium. Editor: That's a fascinating point. I was so focused on the story I overlooked the elegant formal qualities. Curator: A keen observation. This piece underscores how Sargent manipulates classical forms for modern aesthetic ends.