Mrs. Asher Wertheimer; verso: Sketch of a Man c. 1898

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent’s sketch of Mrs. Asher Wertheimer. It feels so fleeting and unfinished. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's interesting to view this sketch through a feminist lens, isn't it? Sargent was often commissioned by wealthy families, but here, the sketch reveals a more intimate, perhaps less performative, depiction of a woman. What do you think that says about the artist-sitter relationship here? Editor: So it’s not just a study for a formal portrait? Curator: Possibly, but look at the clothing: The looseness suggests a departure from the rigid expectations of women’s roles in that era. This unfinished quality could subtly subvert societal norms. Editor: I see what you mean. It makes me think about the power dynamics at play, and how art can either reinforce or challenge them. Curator: Exactly. By understanding those contexts, we can really unpack the layers of meaning within this seemingly simple sketch.