Blank page; verso: Reclining Soldiers; Figure with Animals 1918

Editor: Here we have a sketch by John Singer Sargent entitled "Blank page; verso: Reclining Soldiers; Figure with Animals." It's undated, made with graphite on paper. I'm struck by its incompleteness, almost like a fleeting thought. What's your take on it? Curator: Sargent was indeed a prolific artist, and his sketches offer a glimpse into his process. Consider the social context: World War I deeply affected artists, prompting them to grapple with trauma. Do you think this sketch reflects that? Editor: It could be interpreted as depicting a moment of respite amidst conflict, perhaps a break from the front lines. Curator: Precisely. The seemingly casual arrangement of soldiers can be seen as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war, where individuals are reduced to mere figures in a larger, tragic narrative. Editor: It’s like a candid snapshot, revealing a stark reality behind the heroic facade of war. Curator: Yes, and it reminds us that even unfinished works contribute to our understanding of war's impact on art and society. Editor: This has opened my eyes to seeing beyond the surface. Thanks!