Studies for "Apollo in His Chariot with the Hours" 1922 - 1925

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's pencil drawing, "Studies for 'Apollo in His Chariot with the Hours'," dating from between 1922 and 1925. There is a strong sense of classical influence, yet it is just a simple sketch with two horse heads. What is your take on this drawing? Curator: Well, what I find interesting is looking beyond the initial subject and examining the materiality itself. Here we have Sargent, known for his opulent society portraits, working with simple pencil and paper, engaging in a study, a preparatory stage. We see him working through form, pressure, and technique to produce something "real". Editor: So you're saying it is about the materials? But aren't the sketches just prep work? Curator: Exactly, and that’s where it gets more interesting. In traditionally "high art", we often overlook the labor. But here, these aren't sketches for just any artwork, it is a sketch for an important public commission in the Boston Public Library. By focusing on the process, it reveals how Sargent approached large-scale works: by experimenting, through sketches, and with common materials. The material conditions shape the final piece, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. Seeing the materials used here changes how you perceive the whole piece and the level of planning and work. Knowing Sargent was famous for something completely different makes it a little surprising that he chose such materials, doesn't it? Curator: Right! His choices create these studies as their own complete thought, disrupting ideas on hierarchy in art forms, as traditionally, "drawing" would not be thought of at the same standard as his oil works. These drawings themselves exist because he valued these materials enough to study his work. It all boils down to labor and its value! Editor: I never thought I'd find socio-political messaging inside a simple sketch, thank you.