Turkey c. 1913

Curator: Isn’t he magnificent? What do you see in this sculpture, our bronze turkey by John Singer Sargent from around 1913? Editor: Dignified. The sheer weight of its bronze presence almost elevates the mundane turkey to high art, or at least something like a monument. But it is so serious, I almost expect it to lecture me! Curator: You know, Sargent primarily considered himself a painter, of course, but this sculpture reminds us of the artistic circles he moved in. The sculpture was cast by an expert Roman bronze founder, recalling Sargent’s deep ties to Europe and especially Italy. But his choice of subject, I suspect, aimed at American art lovers back home. Editor: It does strike me as… well, a slightly satirical commentary on American values, almost a parody of pride, perched so squarely on its block. The texture of the bronze is fascinating; rough in places, quite polished in others. Do we know if it was a study for something larger? Curator: Not that we’re aware. While Sargent is best known for his portraits, I think that this exploration of form through sculpture offered him a freedom quite distinct from the commissioned work. The piece also connects to late 19th-century and early 20th-century interest in capturing animal forms. It is also, notably, not just any animal form. Why a turkey? Editor: Yes, the humble turkey. A far cry from the lions and horses more commonly immortalized in bronze. Maybe Sargent was suggesting something about American identity, too often associated with pomp and… a certain lack of sophistication? I mean, is it admiration, or affectionate mockery? Curator: It's wonderfully ambiguous, isn't it? I've always felt it captures that inherent tension between the grandeur we aspire to and the rather quirky reality we embody. There's a kind of unapologetic American-ness to its form that is truly compelling. Editor: I still can’t decide if he’s celebrating the quintessential Thanksgiving bird or poking fun at us all. Either way, I appreciate the way it subverts expectations and makes you think. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a conversation starter, a challenge to our preconceived notions of beauty, and a testament to Sargent’s multifaceted talent, which feels just right as we close here today.