Three Figures with a Parasol in a Boat c. 1884 - 1889

Curator: This is John Singer Sargent’s sketch, "Three Figures with a Parasol in a Boat," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I'm struck by how this loose drawing evokes such a bright, almost oppressive, midday sun. The parasol dominates the scene. Curator: Indeed, Sargent's rapid marks and compositional choices place emphasis on the making. This is a study, a moment in his artistic labor. The material limitations of graphite on paper shape our understanding. Editor: Yet the parasol, historically a symbol of status and protection, casts a long shadow, both literally and figuratively. The figures seem almost trapped beneath its weight. Curator: I see the parasol more as a tool, providing shade for leisure, and a reflection of the social stratum Sargent often depicted. Editor: Still, it's fascinating how a simple sketch can convey such complex emotional and social undertones through just a few lines and symbolic forms. Curator: Absolutely. By examining the artist's process and the social context, we gain a deeper appreciation for Sargent's craft and the world he inhabited. Editor: And for me, the evocative power of enduring symbols helps us understand the continued resonance of such works.