Study for the Prophet Obadiah, Boston Public Library; verso: blank page 1890 - 1895

Curator: This somber preparatory drawing by John Singer Sargent is titled "Study for the Prophet Obadiah, Boston Public Library." Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the figure's posture, that hand obscuring the face-- a universal signifier of anguish or deep contemplation. The draping fabric almost cocoons him. Curator: Sargent used charcoal on paper for this study. It reveals his process—the raw materiality of the charcoal allows us to see the build-up of tones and the artist's hand at work. Editor: Yes, and thinking about Obadiah, he was tasked with prophesying doom and destruction. The weight of that responsibility, the isolation of his position... it feels palpable here. Considering Sargent’s other commissions, portraying wealth and privilege, this feels like a departure that speaks volumes. Curator: I agree. It's a window into the labor involved in creating the murals for the Boston Public Library, a testament to his dedication. Editor: It reminds us that even artists celebrated for their depictions of beauty and opulence can grapple with profound human themes, giving voice to the marginalized and burdened. Curator: A powerful reminder. Editor: Absolutely.