Sketches of Cows (recto and verso) 1872

Editor: Here we see John Singer Sargent's "Sketches of Cows," a pencil drawing residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels so immediate and raw. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The dynamism lies in the economy of line, wouldn't you agree? Observe how Sargent achieves volume and form with such minimal, yet purposeful marks. Note the strategic hatching to suggest shadow and mass. Editor: It's fascinating how the composition guides your eye despite the lack of detail. Do you think the unfinished quality adds to its impact? Curator: Precisely. The open form allows the viewer to participate, to complete the image in their mind's eye. Furthermore, this fosters an appreciation for the inherent qualities of the medium. It is line, form, and composition in its purest state. Editor: I see what you mean. The focus is on the artistry itself. Curator: Indeed. It reveals the essence of Sargent's skill, stripping away the artifice of finish. Editor: Thanks, I'll look at sketches in a new light. Curator: A rewarding shift in perspective, I trust!