Architectural Sketch c. 1890 - 1916

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent’s "Architectural Sketch," a small pencil work. It feels very immediate, like a quick study. What can you tell me about its place within Sargent's broader work? Curator: Sargent was, of course, celebrated for his society portraits. But these rapid sketches offer us a peek into his process. The sketch becomes an act of claiming space, doesn't it? A way of seeing and possessing a place, even fleetingly. Editor: That's interesting. So you see it as more than just preparation? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the power dynamics inherent in capturing a place, especially for an artist moving through different social spheres. What do you think the political implications might be? Editor: I hadn’t considered that aspect. It makes me see the sketch in a totally new light. Curator: Exactly! These glimpses behind the scenes sometimes reveal more than the polished portraits.