Studies of Goats; verso: Studies of Deer 1872

Editor: This work, "Studies of Goats; verso: Studies of Deer," is by John Singer Sargent. It's a simple pencil drawing, but there's a real sense of immediacy. What do you see in this piece, especially considering Sargent’s portraiture work? Curator: Consider the goat itself. For centuries, it has been a loaded symbol – virility, stubbornness, even sacrifice. Sargent, in his rapid sketches, seems less interested in these associations and more in capturing their essence. Don’t you think? Editor: I suppose so! It feels more like pure observation than symbolic intent. Curator: Precisely! But even in pure observation, choices are made. The way he renders the horns, the eyes... these details resonate with primal energy. How does this energy compare to his portraits of the upper class? Editor: That’s fascinating. It definitely makes me think about the different ways an artist can imbue an image with meaning. Curator: Indeed. It's a glimpse into the artist's mind, beyond the commission, exploring the intrinsic character, both of his subjects and of himself.