Sketch of Sir Edward John Poynter (1836 - 1919) Possibly 1913

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent’s quick sketch of Sir Edward John Poynter. It is undated, in ink on paper. It feels informal and immediate. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Sargent's sketch transcends mere likeness. Poynter, as president of the Royal Academy, represented the establishment. Sargent, though celebrated, often challenged those artistic norms. Do you see how the swift, almost aggressive lines, particularly around the head, might suggest a subtle critique? Editor: I see that tension now. It’s more than just a portrait; it's a statement about artistic power and identity. Curator: Exactly. And it makes you wonder about Sargent's own position, navigating acceptance and rebellion within the art world.