Sketch of Four Roman Masks 19th-20th century

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent's "Sketch of Four Roman Masks," held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: They're intense! So expressive, even in this sketch form. The lines convey so much raw emotion. Curator: Precisely. Sargent's attention to line and form imbues these masks with a palpable presence, exploring archetypal expressions through pure visual language. Editor: Masks, though, hide more than they reveal. I'm interested in what these exaggerated, grotesque expressions tell us about societal anxieties of the time, perhaps anxieties around class or political power? Curator: An interesting theory. I wonder, also, about Sargent's understanding of form. Note how the light and shadow play across the surfaces, even in these quick strokes. Editor: It's true, there's a remarkable depth suggested here. They definitely provoke thoughts about performance, identity and the roles we play. Curator: Yes, and that really brings us back to the power of art and its ability to reflect the human condition. Editor: Absolutely. A small sketch that opens up so many rich ideas.