Two Figures 1871

Editor: This is "Two Figures" by John Singer Sargent, a small graphite sketch at the Harvard Art Museums. They appear to be wearing some sort of uniform. How do you interpret this work, given Sargent's other subjects? Curator: It's fascinating to see Sargent focusing on figures removed from his usual elite portraiture. The traditional dress could signify a specific community or societal role. How might this sketch challenge or reinforce existing power structures of the time? Editor: That’s interesting; I hadn’t considered it from a power perspective. I was too focused on the aesthetic. Curator: Exactly. Consider the role of institutions in shaping artistic narratives. Museums, through their curation, influence how we understand art's relationship to society and history. Editor: So, a simple sketch can reveal complex socio-political dynamics if we look at the bigger picture. Thanks!