View of Aletsch Glacier c. 1871 - 1872

Curator: John Singer Sargent's pencil drawing, "View of Aletsch Glacier," presents us with a study of form and light. I find it immediately stark, even desolate. Editor: The undulating lines describing the glacier draw my eye, suggesting a frozen river still somehow in motion. The composition emphasizes the sheer scale of the landscape. Curator: Indeed, the strategic placement of the mountain ridges effectively frames the glacier, enhancing the sense of depth. Note how the light source remains ambiguous, casting a uniform yet subtle gradation across the scene. Editor: The sketchiness, the visible pencil strokes, make it feel immediate, like a fleeting impression captured quickly. It’s not just a landscape; it’s a moment. Curator: Precisely. Sargent's reduction to essential lines invites us to contemplate the underlying structure, the stark geometry of nature itself. Editor: It makes me wonder about his experience there. What did he feel standing before this massive, ancient ice river? It's a privilege to witness that perspective, even through a preliminary sketch. Curator: Yes, the work offers a valuable glimpse into Sargent's process, revealing his profound understanding of spatial relationships. Editor: Absolutely, a landscape that whispers stories of time and change.