Study of Two Opera Singers; verso: Sketch of a Baldacchino 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent’s "Study of Two Opera Singers," a pencil sketch. The figures are so expressive, almost theatrical. What do you see in this piece, particularly in its social context? Curator: Well, the sketch captures a moment of heightened emotion. Sargent was deeply embedded in elite artistic circles, and opera held a significant place in that culture. How might performance be viewed as a social display? Editor: So, you’re saying it’s not just about the music, but also about who is watching and participating in that cultural moment? Curator: Precisely. Sargent's work, even in sketch form, reveals the complex social rituals surrounding artistic consumption. It makes you wonder about the opera's role in shaping cultural identities. Editor: That adds a whole new layer to understanding Sargent’s work, looking at art as a part of social performance. Curator: Indeed, the sketch is a window into the socio-cultural dynamics of its time.