Study of Turkeys 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Study of Turkeys," a pencil sketch, located at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by the almost scientific approach to rendering these birds. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: It’s fascinating how Sargent, known for his portraits of the elite, also turned his eye to subjects like these turkeys. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the cultural significance of depicting even the mundane aspects of life during that period? What purpose might such a study serve? Editor: Perhaps it was simply an exercise in form and capturing the essence of these creatures? Curator: Or maybe it hints at the changing relationship between humans and the natural world, as industrialization progressed. The rise of naturalism and scientific illustration also shaped artistic interests. I wonder if this was also commentary on consumption? Editor: I hadn't thought of that. It’s interesting to consider how even a seemingly simple sketch can reflect broader social and cultural shifts. Curator: Exactly. It reminds us that art is never created in a vacuum. There is always a context.