Study for East Wall, Boston Public Library (Tripartite design: Shrine, Landscape, Shrine); verso: Sketch for an Arch, Boston Public Library 1895 - 1919

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent's "Study for East Wall, Boston Public Library," a tripartite design featuring shrines and a landscape. Editor: It feels very tentative, like a whisper of an idea. The landscape in the center is barely suggested. Curator: Exactly. Sargent is exploring the relationship between the sacred space and the earthly realm, a common theme in monumental art. The shrines echo ancient altars, places of reverence. Editor: The composition is interesting. The two shrines bookend the scene, creating a sense of containment, framing the landscape as something precious, almost an Eden. Curator: The architectural details are key. They reflect a continuity of artistic tradition, connecting past beliefs with the present. These symbols create a dialogue across centuries. Editor: It’s more than just symbols, though. The subtle asymmetry in the placement of the shrines creates a visual tension. Curator: Absolutely, and the landscape provides a release, a breath of fresh air. It's fascinating to see the early stages of such a grand project. Editor: It is a glimpse into Sargent's mind, isn't it? A formal and spiritual balancing act.