Studies for the Hours, "Apollo in His Chariot with the Hours," Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 1920 - 1924

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's sketch, "Studies for the Hours, 'Apollo in His Chariot with the Hours.'" The figures seem to be caught mid-motion, and I'm struck by the incomplete nature of the work. What can you tell me about the societal role of preparatory drawings such as this? Curator: Well, preparatory drawings like this provide insight into the artistic process of image making, which was tied to power structures. Sargent's exploration of classical mythology, for example, catered to the elite class's fascination with idealized forms and narratives. Do you think this piece served as a tool for social climbing or reaffirming societal hierarchies? Editor: It definitely speaks to the tastes of the wealthy patrons of that era, and perhaps a desire to connect with an older, more established culture. I never thought about how the artistic process could perpetuate social divisions. Curator: Exactly. The choices artists make, from subject matter to style, reflect and often reinforce existing power dynamics. Thinking about the historical context encourages us to question the seemingly neutral act of artistic creation. Editor: This sketch reveals how art is always embedded in its social and political context. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure.