Two Female Heads 1895 - 1916

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent's "Two Female Heads," date unknown, a charcoal drawing at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m really struck by the contrast between the direct gaze of the upper figure and the closed eyes of the lower one. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Sargent, fascinated by the nuances of expression, uses these paired studies to explore inner states. The downcast eyes often symbolize introspection, a retreat from the external world into the realm of personal contemplation or sorrow. What emotional weight do you think Sargent intended? Editor: That makes me think about the different ways women were perceived and represented, both seen and unseen, maybe even silenced. Curator: Precisely. Sargent captures a psychological duality. This visual vocabulary echoes across centuries, revealing how we internalize and project these symbolic meanings. Food for thought, isn’t it? Editor: Definitely. I see how Sargent uses those familiar symbols to give a glimpse into the sitter's inner world, and our own assumptions about it.