Elsie Palmer (1872-1954) c. 1890

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's sketch of Elsie Palmer, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a very striking, almost haunting, portrait done with ink. What do you make of it? Curator: Sargent was a master of societal portraiture, capturing the essence of his subjects. This sketch, though, feels different. It's less about idealized beauty and more about raw expression. The heavy ink and quick strokes reflect the cultural shift towards artistic freedom. Editor: So, you're saying this sketch diverges from his more formal portraits? Curator: Precisely. It speaks to a moment where artists began prioritizing personal interpretation over traditional representation, challenging established norms within the art world and wider society. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the cultural context so directly. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It’s always enriching to see how artistic choices reflect broader historical shifts.