Studies of Staff Heads and Profile Study, for the Synagogue, Boston Public Library; verso: Three Studies for the Synagogue's Crown 1895 - 1919

Curator: John Singer Sargent's preparatory drawing, "Studies of Staff Heads and Profile Study, for the Synagogue, Boston Public Library," presents us with a fascinating glimpse into the artist's process. Editor: It feels a bit like peering over Sargent's shoulder as he doodles—these swirling lines have such an improvisational, searching energy. Curator: Indeed. Note the variations in the staff head designs. Sargent is exploring different forms and decorative motifs. The verso includes studies for the Synagogue's crown, offering a holistic view of his considerations. Editor: That profile study adds another layer, doesn't it? It suggests a human element in the design, a sense of portraiture informing the architectural details. Curator: Precisely. By juxtaposing these elements, Sargent elevates the functional to the symbolic. Editor: I love how this sketch reveals the artist's mind at play, wrestling with aesthetics and meaning. It humanizes the grand project he was involved in. Curator: Yes, it's a privilege to witness the emergence of form from the chaos of artistic thought. Editor: Absolutely. It's a reminder that even the most polished masterpieces begin with a simple, searching line.