Sketches of Goats 1911

Curator: John Singer Sargent's "Sketches of Goats," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents us with a series of quick studies in graphite on paper. I find these studies so evocative, a study in form. Editor: Yes! The goats have this beautiful lightness and immediacy. What is the significance of goats as a subject for Sargent? Curator: Goats, throughout history, have been laden with diverse symbolism—fertility, vitality, but also capriciousness and wildness. Sargent may have been drawn to them as a symbol of untamed nature. Editor: Perhaps he was exploring themes of freedom, a visual rebellion against the constraints of societal expectations. Sargent and his work certainly challenged the traditional art establishment, so in this regard, the symbol fits. Curator: Indeed, considering Sargent's own journey as an artist, these sketches can be seen as him grappling with the very essence of artistic expression. Editor: I agree. Thanks to that, the goats feel almost alive, not just sketched. Curator: Absolutely, and the goats' cultural significance is fascinating, making this simple sketch even more compelling.