Woman Carrying Basket, for "Oyster Gatherers of Cancale" c. 1877

Curator: Sargent's sketch, "Woman Carrying Basket, for "Oyster Gatherers of Cancale," is a captivating study. Editor: There's a palpable sense of weight and weariness in the figure. The simple lines speak volumes. Curator: Indeed. It's a preparatory work, revealing Sargent’s process in depicting working-class women in 19th-century France. We can analyze how gender and labor intersect in this portrayal. Editor: The basket, though lightly sketched, is central. It’s a vessel, but also a burden, symbolizing the woman's role and the cycle of labor. Curator: Absolutely, and by understanding the socio-economic context, we can unpack the narrative of these oyster gatherers and their place in society. Editor: It is a poignant, resonant portrait. Curator: It urges us to acknowledge the women's strength, resilience, and social circumstance.