Portrait Sketch of a Man; verso: Portrait Sketch of a Woman 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have Margarett Sargent’s drawing, "Portrait Sketch of a Man; verso: Portrait Sketch of a Woman." The quick lines and the cigarette give it a sense of immediacy. What catches your eye? Curator: It’s the directness of the charcoal, isn’t it? The labor involved in creating this image is evident, and the artist's hand is front and center. The sketch reveals a candid moment that may have been considered casual or informal. It challenges the traditional portrait's emphasis on idealization. Editor: I see what you mean. So, the process and the materials become a way to break down conventions. Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. Curator: Indeed, and consider the social context – who has the leisure to sit and sketch, and who is being sketched? Food for thought!