Right Arms and Hands (for the Law?), "Israel and the Law," Boston Public Library 1895 - 1916

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Right Arms and Hands (for the Law?)," a study for his mural at the Boston Public Library. The charcoal strokes are so raw; it feels unfinished. What do you see in terms of the materials and their effect? Curator: Consider the social context of Sargent's commission. This wasn't just about depicting "Israel and the Law," but also about the very labor of creating public art. The charcoal, a readily available material, allowed for quick studies, emphasizing the efficient production needed for a large-scale mural. It's about the means of production meeting societal expectations. Editor: So, the choice of charcoal isn’t just aesthetic, but reflects the practical considerations of a big project? Curator: Exactly. Think about the division of labor, the studio assistants, and the economics of creating such a monumental work. The "unfinished" quality reveals the process, the materiality of art-making itself. What does this reveal about consumption and labor? Editor: That shifts my perspective entirely. It's less about the idealized image and more about the work it took to get there. Thanks for pointing that out.