Studies of Cows 1911

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent's "Studies of Cows," currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. It is a simple sketch, a collection of cows drawn in pencil. It's the quickness of the lines that really strikes me. What do you notice about the composition? Curator: The artist's selection of line weight and density is particularly noteworthy. Observe how Sargent uses a lighter touch for the contour lines, defining the shapes, and a heavier hand to indicate shadow and volume. Editor: So the texture is what creates the depth? Curator: Precisely. Consider the formal relationships between the figures; note how the arrangement guides the viewer's eye. There's a rhythm established by the repetition and variation of forms. What does this visual tempo evoke for you? Editor: It makes the image feel lively and energized, despite the static subject. I see how much can be communicated through formal structure alone. Curator: Indeed, a focused examination of the elements of art yields a wealth of information.