Sketches of Horses 1868 - 1869

Curator: John Singer Sargent’s "Sketches of Horses," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents us with a series of studies rendered in pencil. Editor: There's an ethereal quality to it. These horses, caught mid-motion, seem almost dreamlike in their fleeting presence. Curator: Indeed. The horse has long been a symbol of power, freedom, and even nobility across cultures. Think of its role in warfare, mythology, and even classical portraiture. Editor: And Sargent, capturing them in this unfinished state, focuses our attention on their primal energy. The horse embodies untamed spirit. Curator: I agree. Sargent often explored themes of class, privilege, and the rapidly changing social landscape of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Even in these sketches, we see a reflection of his engagement with those dynamics. Editor: It also speaks to the power of suggestion. Sometimes, what is implied is more potent than what is fully rendered. Curator: A powerful reminder that sketches hold their own unique importance in understanding an artist's process and perspective. Editor: A beautiful glimpse into the artist’s initial vision.