Studies for Foot and Arm of Angels, "Israel and the Law," Boston Public Library 1895 - 1916

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent’s "Studies for Foot and Arm of Angels, 'Israel and the Law,'" a graphite sketch. The anatomical studies look so raw and immediate. How do these studies connect to the final mural project? Curator: Well, Sargent received this important commission for the Boston Public Library, in 1890. The commission came at a time when monumental public art projects were often steeped in political and social debates about cultural identity. He had to present his vision to a broad audience, and preparatory drawings allowed him to refine his ideas. How do you think the religious theme impacted his artistic choices? Editor: I guess, given the public setting, it would have been important to consider popular views on religion to avoid controversy. I never thought about the role of public opinion in art so directly. Curator: Exactly. And that's how art becomes part of a larger cultural dialogue, isn't it?