Ornate Balustrade, Salute, Venice 19th-20th century

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent's sketch, "Ornate Balustrade, Salute, Venice." It's interesting to see such a detailed rendering in pencil. What do you make of Sargent's choice to focus on this architectural detail? Curator: It’s tempting to view this drawing solely for its aesthetic qualities, but consider the labor involved in crafting such an ornate balustrade. The material itself—stone, presumably—its extraction, transportation, the artisan's skill… it speaks to Venice’s economic and social structures. Editor: So, you’re suggesting we look beyond the beauty and think about the production process? Curator: Exactly. Sargent is capturing not just a scene, but a history of material production and consumption embedded within Venetian society. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about in terms of the relationship between art and labor. Thanks!