Boats in Drydock (?) 1872

Editor: This drawing, titled "Boats in Drydock (?)," is by John Singer Sargent. It's hard to put my finger on it, but there's something so ephemeral and transient about it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's interesting you say that. Notice how the sketch, though minimal, clearly depicts boats – vessels of travel and transition. However, they are in drydock, suggesting a pause, a cessation of movement. Sargent is showing us a moment laden with the potential for symbolism, isn't he? Editor: Absolutely! I hadn’t considered that contrast. What do the symbols suggest to you? Curator: Well, consider the history of boats as symbols of journeys, both literal and metaphorical. What does it mean when those journeys are interrupted, halted? Sargent seems to capture that feeling of anticipation and suspended animation. It's a powerful commentary on the human condition. Editor: I see what you mean. Thanks! This really helped me think differently about Sargent’s sketches. Curator: My pleasure! It’s always fascinating how a simple sketch can hold such profound cultural weight.