Blank page; verso: Sketch of Carmencita Dancing 1912

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent's "Blank page; verso: Sketch of Carmencita Dancing," a quick graphite study currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's so energetic! The loose lines really convey movement, like a captured moment of pure, uninhibited performance. Curator: Sargent's fascination with dancers reflected the growing popular culture surrounding performance in the late 19th century, a time when dancers like Carmencita were becoming celebrated public figures. This sketch is particularly interesting because it shows his process. Editor: The figure’s pose, the raised arms, it's almost a universal symbol of ecstatic expression, a visual echo of ancient rituals. What do you think Sargent was hoping to capture? Curator: Sargent was certainly aware of the performative aspect of identity. He often portrayed his subjects in roles that amplified their social standing, and in this sketch, he captures Carmencita in her element. Editor: The rough lines almost give it a sense of timelessness. I find it interesting that such a fleeting moment is preserved with so much vigor. Curator: The sketch provides a glimpse into how Sargent viewed the evolving social landscape of his time. Editor: It's a powerful glimpse, a raw and spontaneous expression of both artistry and cultural moment.