Two Sketches of a Young Man 1870 - 1871

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Two Sketches of a Young Man," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. What catches your eye? Editor: The contrast! The top sketch is so serene, almost romantic. The lower one, however, practically vibrates with tension and caricature. Curator: Exactly. Note how Sargent employs the hat in both images. In the upper sketch, it’s a symbol of youthful aspiration, a hint of the bohemian artist. Below, the hat seems comically oversized, a prop in a satire. Editor: The lines themselves contribute to this dichotomy. Above, they’re soft and suggestive. Below, they’re sharp and exaggerated, bordering on the grotesque. The artist seems to be playing with ideas of perception, of how a few strokes can completely alter our understanding of a face. Curator: Indeed. Sargent perhaps uses dress to represent a range of social positions and emotional states accessible to the young man. Editor: It’s a fascinating glimpse into Sargent's process, showcasing his versatility in capturing human expression. Curator: A study in contrasts that offers much to consider.