Blank page; verso: Study of an Ox 1911

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Study of an Ox," a small drawing housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks like a fleeting thought captured in charcoal. There’s a sort of weighty calm to it, like the ox is enduring something. Curator: The ox, a symbol of strength and labor, often represents patience and endurance in various cultures. Do you see those qualities reflected here? Editor: Absolutely. The shading gives it a grounded, almost melancholic feel. It's not just an animal; it's a presence, burdened perhaps, but undeniably resilient. Curator: Sargent's quick, assured strokes suggest a deep understanding of form. This image evokes the enduring relationship between humans and animals. Editor: It makes me think of old farmhouses, quiet mornings. A very unassuming picture that resonates more than I expected. Curator: Indeed, its power lies in its simplicity, inviting contemplation on the silent partnership between us and these magnificent creatures. Editor: So, it’s a drawing that quietly moos volumes.