Sketches of Horses, Cows, and Human Heads 1872

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent's "Sketches of Horses, Cows, and Human Heads," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's an intimate graphite drawing, almost like a page from a sketchbook. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the contrast between the powerful animals and the serene, almost classical, human faces. What could Sargent be exploring here? Curator: Sargent often used sketches like these to quickly capture details, perhaps for later use in larger compositions. His social circle certainly influenced his style and preference for classical themes. Editor: The horse, cow, and human head—each carries its own weighty symbolism. The horse, freedom; the cow, perhaps nurture; the human head, intellect or beauty. Were these symbols intentionally chosen? Curator: Hard to say for certain, but Sargent was keenly aware of the visual language of his time. This work, more than anything, speaks to his observation of and connection to the world around him. Editor: Yes, a fleeting glimpse into the artist's process—a raw and unfiltered observation.