Study of a Vulture's Head c. 1890 - 1916

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Study of a Vulture's Head." It's a simple sketch, but those strong, dark lines make it so intense. What do you make of it? Curator: It is a study, yes, but think about what the vulture represents in art history – death, decay, but also survival, resilience. Sargent, a portraitist of the elite, focusing on such a creature? Editor: So, you're saying it's a commentary? Curator: Perhaps a subtle one. Sargent was acutely aware of social structures, power dynamics. How might he have seen those reflected in the natural world? Editor: That's a pretty morbid perspective, but insightful. I'll never look at a vulture the same way! Curator: Art helps us understand the familiar in new ways.