Studies of Sword Hilts; verso: Studies of Sword Hilts 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Studies of Sword Hilts" – a detailed pencil sketch showcasing various sword designs. What strikes me is the almost obsessive attention to detail in these weapons; what do you make of it? Curator: Consider Sargent’s process. Why studies of sword hilts? Were they commissioned? Or was Sargent interested in the labor and production involved in crafting such ornate weapons, objects of both beauty and violence bound by materiality? Editor: So, you're focusing on the sword as a material object, rather than just a symbol? Curator: Exactly. The artistry involved in these hilts transforms them into commodities, reflecting the society that valued both protection and ornamentation. What does the detail tell us about consumption and class? Editor: I hadn't thought about the economic context. It makes me see the sketch as less about artistry and more about the labor behind these status symbols. Curator: Precisely, a reflection of how materials, making, and social status intersect.