The Mythen, near Brunnen, Switzerland 1868 - 1869

Curator: The work before us is a pencil drawing by John Singer Sargent, titled "The Mythen, near Brunnen, Switzerland." Editor: It’s so understated. There’s an ethereal, almost ghostly quality to these mountains; they seem to float on the page. Curator: Sargent’s landscape sketches offer a glimpse into his process, revealing how he captured a sense of place through quick, suggestive lines. We can consider the role of landscape in the late 19th century, especially in relation to representations of the sublime, a feeling which was quite in vogue. Editor: I see the peaks themselves as symbols of power, reflecting the colonial gaze that often sought to dominate and map the natural world. How can we contextualize Sargent's work within these power dynamics? Curator: That’s a fascinating question, particularly concerning the reception of landscape imagery in institutions like this. Editor: Yes, it also prompts reflection on the artist’s intention, and how the drawing resonates with contemporary viewers. Ultimately, this drawing prompts us to reconsider conventional narratives. Curator: Indeed. The drawing encapsulates his sharp observation of nature and the artistic conventions through which it's filtered.