Angel with Horn; Partial Sketch of Judgment Lunette, Boston Public Library 1895 - 1916

Editor: So, this is John Singer Sargent's "Angel with Horn," a sketch for the Boston Public Library. It feels… tentative, almost ghostly. What do you see in it? Curator: I see Sargent grappling with potent symbols. The angel, usually a figure of hope, here feels burdened. The horn, a call to judgment, seems muted, questioning. How might Sargent be challenging our expectations of these familiar religious figures? Editor: Perhaps he's exploring the weight of responsibility, the doubt even angels might feel? Curator: Precisely! It’s a fascinating look into how even traditional symbols can be reinterpreted to reflect deeper psychological and cultural anxieties. Editor: I never thought of Sargent as someone who would question religious symbols. Curator: Sargent's brilliance lies in his ability to infuse tradition with modern sensibilities. This sketch really highlights that tension.