Album of Figure Studies c. 1890 - 1915

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent’s "Album of Figure Studies," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The album is quite large, nearly 75 by 57 centimeters. Editor: Its weathered texture and hefty spine give it a rather imposing presence, like a book of secrets. Curator: Absolutely, and considering Sargent's privileged background, this album provides insight into his academic training and the labor involved in mastering his craft. The worn leather and taped edges speak to frequent use. Editor: The composition itself is intriguing. The contrast between the dark green cover and the warm, distressed leather creates a visual tension, hinting at the contrasting worlds Sargent inhabited. Curator: Indeed, and its existence as a collection of studies really brings forward a materialist view of art production. Editor: A very good point. I suppose one could argue that the materials themselves tell a story about the passage of time and the artist's dedication. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to consider the entire lifecycle of the object, from its construction to its eventual place in a museum collection. Editor: It certainly offers a rich field for investigation.