Study of a Snake; verso: Three Abstracted Sketches c. 1884 - 1889

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent’s "Study of a Snake," and it's deceptively simple. A graphite drawing, focusing on the scales and form. What can we learn from such a seemingly straightforward sketch? Curator: It's interesting to consider this in the context of Sargent's broader oeuvre. We know Sargent as a society portraitist, but this detailed study reveals a fascination with natural form. How might his understanding of anatomy and observation, evident here, inform his approach to depicting the human figure, and societal expectations of beauty? Editor: That's a great point. So, it's not just a snake, but a study in form and observation. Curator: Exactly. It reveals the artist’s process and the socio-political forces that shape our understanding and appreciation of both nature and art. It encourages us to consider how even a seemingly simple sketch can offer insight into the artist's broader practice. Editor: I never would have thought about it that way. Now I see the snake as Sargent flexing his art "muscles".