Sketch for Sir Frederick Maude (1864 - 1917); verso: Base of a Column, for "Some Officers of the Great War" c. 1922

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent’s sketch of Sir Frederick Maude, likely a study for his unfinished work, "Some Officers of the Great War." It's small, intimate. What strikes you about it? Curator: It's fascinating to consider this sketch in the context of Sargent's commission. Maude, a figure of British imperial power, is rendered with a starkness that feels almost…critical. How does this portrayal of a military leader challenge or reinforce prevailing narratives of war and heroism? Editor: I hadn't considered that. The simplicity made me think it was neutral. Curator: Exactly. Consider the subtle power dynamics at play here, a famous American painter depicting a British General in the midst of the First World War. Sargent's gaze, even in this sketch, invites us to question the glorification of conflict and the individuals who lead it. Editor: So, it’s not just a portrait, it’s a statement? I see it now. Thanks.