Head of a Woman 1889

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent's "Head of a Woman," a pencil sketch housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I'm immediately struck by the ephemeral quality; it feels like a fleeting thought captured on paper. Curator: Sargent was a master of capturing likeness and also societal position. This study presents an interesting interpretation of feminine identity during his time. The sitter’s gaze, averted and slightly distant, speaks to the limited agency afforded to women. Editor: Yet, there's a strength in that averted gaze too, a hint of self-possession despite the societal constraints. It’s that push and pull that makes it so compelling, like she’s whispering a secret. Curator: Indeed, considering Sargent's other works, this sketch becomes part of a larger narrative examining the complexities of gender roles. Editor: For me, it’s more about the raw emotion. The simplicity of the pencil lines allows the sitter's spirit to shine through. A real connection. Curator: Absolutely, and examining the context surrounding its creation enriches our understanding. Editor: Agreed. It's like a tiny window into a whole world of untold stories.