Front View of an Egyptian Pharaoh's Head c. 1891

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent’s sketch, “Front View of an Egyptian Pharaoh's Head.” It’s a small pencil drawing, quite delicate, but the face is so serene. What do you see in it? Curator: Sargent's choice to depict this pharaoh with closed eyes evokes a sense of timelessness. Consider how the closed eyes might function symbolically—a gateway to the afterlife, or perhaps representing inner wisdom? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It feels like a peaceful rest. Curator: Indeed, and beyond that, consider the historical context. Sargent, an American artist, studying Egyptian art. What cultural weight does that encounter hold, transferring ancient symbols to a modern eye? Editor: That's fascinating! It makes me think about how symbols change meanings over time. Curator: Precisely, and how artists reinterpret them. Editor: Thanks! I never would have considered all that.