Blank page; verso: Perspective Sketch of Column Bases and Pedestals c. 1910

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Blank page; verso: Perspective Sketch of Column Bases and Pedestals," dimensions roughly 12.7 by 17.9 centimeters. Editor: The materiality of it strikes me first. I'm drawn to its unassuming nature, a quick study on paper. Curator: Indeed. Sargent, better known for his portraits, here reveals the architectural underpinnings of his vision. The sketch embodies classical ideals through its representation of form and structure. Editor: Exactly. It's process laid bare, the artist's hand evident in the rapidly drawn lines. We see not just the finished product, but the labor, the thought given to the craft. Curator: The proportional relationships and perspective are cleverly captured. Note the use of line to establish depth and volume. Editor: It prompts us to consider the art-making and how this labor relates to a broader culture of image production. Curator: It is indeed a testament to the value of preliminary work in shaping grand artistic statements. Editor: An insightful glimpse into the artist's working process.