Studies for Second Angel from Left, "Israel and the Law," Boston Public Library 1895 - 1916

Editor: This arresting sketch is "Studies for Second Angel from Left, 'Israel and the Law,'" by John Singer Sargent. It feels dynamic, like a captured moment of raw, physical power. What strikes you most about this preparatory work? Curator: Oh, the energy practically leaps off the page, doesn’t it? For me, it’s how Sargent captures movement with such economy of line. It’s like he’s not just drawing figures, but the potential for action—divine action, no less, considering it's a study for a mural in the Boston Public Library. Editor: Divine action, yes! I hadn't considered the performative quality of the figures. Curator: Exactly! And think about the 'Israel and the Law' context. What does that pairing evoke for you when you see the figures like this? Editor: Now that you mention it, I am thinking about the tension between power and submission. It's made me think about how studies, sometimes, are more exciting that final works. Curator: Agreed! Sargent's murals needed this preparatory tension.