Bent Legs and Feet, for "Gog and Magog," Boston Public Library 1895 - 1916

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent’s study, "Bent Legs and Feet, for 'Gog and Magog,' Boston Public Library." Editor: There's an undeniable vulnerability to this study – the stark exposure of the subjects makes it feel unsettling. Curator: Sargent's preliminary work was instrumental in the larger Boston Public Library mural project. The figures of Gog and Magog, referenced in the title, are biblical giants. Editor: Knowing this was a study for biblical giants gives it a potent intersection of power and fragility—the artist captures the weight of history, in a sense. Curator: The figures themselves, Gog and Magog, represent chaos and destruction. Sargent's portrayal highlights the power of religious and historical narratives. Editor: It seems a bit unsettling to see these foundations of power portrayed so intimately in a study. Curator: Indeed, this drawing allows us to see Sargent grappling with potent symbols. Editor: This adds a layer of complexity that compels us to reconsider the power dynamics behind those biblical figures.