Mountain Landscape, Gurgl, Austria 1870 - 1871

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's pencil drawing, "Mountain Landscape, Gurgl, Austria". Editor: It's quite stark, isn't it? The mountains seem to close in, almost oppressive in their scale. Curator: Sargent made this sketch in July of 1870; it is now held at the Harvard Art Museums. The scene's remoteness reflects a broader fascination with untouched landscapes. Editor: The jagged peaks evoke a sense of sublime power. The slight river at the bottom suggests the hand of nature, subtly guiding the viewer's eye through this imposing scene. The symbol of mountain peaks often speaks to a search for clarity. Curator: Sargent was known for his society portraits; this sketch offers a glimpse into his personal exploration of landscape, free from societal demands. Editor: It's a study in contrasts. A delicate pencil sketch of something so monumental. Curator: It shows the changing role of landscape art from being just a backdrop to the main subject to becoming the main subject itself. Editor: It leaves me with a feeling of awe, tinged with a bit of melancholy. Curator: It reveals a different facet of Sargent, less polished, perhaps more earnest.