Studies of Goats and Horns c. 1890 - 1916

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent’s “Studies of Goats and Horns,” a pencil sketch, though undated, it's a fascinating look into his process. The quick strokes give it a raw energy. What do you see in this piece beyond just studies of animals? Curator: This sketch embodies the complex relationship between humans and animals. Sargent, often celebrated for his portraits of the elite, here examines the animal form. What does it mean for an artist known for portraying human status to dedicate time to creatures often associated with wilderness or even the demonic? Perhaps it is a commentary on our own animalistic nature? Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. The social commentary behind what seems like a simple sketch. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward studies can reflect deeper cultural anxieties and power dynamics. Editor: Thanks, I'll remember to always look for the underlying themes.