Head of a Bird of Prey 19th-20th century

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent's "Head of a Bird of Prey," a sketch at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels so immediate, and a bit fragmented. What do you see in this drawing? Curator: The bird of prey, often an eagle or falcon, carries potent symbolism. It's associated with power, vision, and authority across cultures, from ancient Egypt to Rome. Notice how Sargent captures the intensity of the bird's gaze with such economy of line. Editor: So, more than just a bird, it's a symbol? Curator: Precisely. The bird's head, juxtaposed with what seems to be a quickly sketched jacket, creates a fascinating tension. Could it be a study for a larger work, hinting at the sitter's character, their ambition? It's Sargent's ability to hint at these deeper narratives that makes the sketch so compelling. Editor: That's a good point. I learned a lot. Curator: Me too. It's a reminder of how artists use symbols to communicate complex ideas.