Study of a Cow; verso: Studies of Cows 1872

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's sketch, "Study of a Cow." It feels so immediate, almost like a snapshot. What strikes you about his depiction? Curator: It’s funny, isn't it? Sargent, known for his society portraits, turning his eye to cows! I see a real affection here, a celebration of the everyday. And those quick, confident lines—he really captures the heft and presence of the animal, wouldn't you agree? It feels more like a personality study, than merely a farm animal. Editor: Definitely! It's much more than I initially expected. Curator: Exactly! Perhaps Sargent’s portraits started with cows? What a thought.