Four Caricatures of People in Regional Costume 1871

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent’s “Four Caricatures of People in Regional Costume,” held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a quick sketch, almost ephemeral, yet the figures are so distinctly rendered with such expressive lines. Curator: Indeed. It appears to be a graphite study, examining the construction and appearance of working-class garments, perhaps in preparation for a larger piece. The central figure, quite dapper, might have been a vendor of some sort. Editor: Observe the subtle gradations achieved with simple graphite strokes. Notice also the careful balancing of positive and negative space within each figure. The material of choice emphasizes the everyday subject, avoiding any sense of preciousness. Curator: I agree. The choice of graphite on paper underscores the socio-economic status of the people depicted. It speaks to accessibility, a medium for recording observations of labor. Editor: Ultimately, the raw technique enhances the genuineness of the observation. Curator: A fascinating exploration of how the materials contribute to our understanding. Editor: Yes, it gives new perspective to Sargent's wider body of work.