Sketches of Cows' Heads; verso: Sketch of Cow c. 1910

Editor: This drawing, "Sketches of Cows' Heads" by John Singer Sargent, shows several studies of cows in graphite. I'm struck by how gentle and observant they feel. What stands out to you? Curator: Sargent's choice to depict cows, traditionally symbols of fertility and nourishment, taps into a deep-seated cultural memory. Do you notice how the varying perspectives suggest a keen interest in capturing the essence of the animal? Editor: Yes, they feel very alive! What do you think Sargent was trying to capture? Curator: Perhaps he was exploring the cow as a motif of rural life, connecting with pastoral traditions. These sketches could be seen as Sargent's attempt to understand and connect with simpler, agrarian values. Editor: That's a really interesting way to think about it; I hadn't considered the symbolism of the cow itself. Curator: Indeed, these sketches offer a window into how artists engage with and reinterpret the world around them, imbuing even the most commonplace subjects with meaning.