Studies of Soldier's Face and Study of France, for "Coming of the Americans," Widener Library, Harvard University 1921 - 1922

Curator: Here we have John Singer Sargent's "Studies of Soldier's Face and Study of France," preparatory drawings for his mural at Harvard's Widener Library. Editor: Well, right away, I'm struck by the starkness of it. The sketches feel hesitant, almost ghostly. Curator: Sargent’s mural, and these sketches, are connected to the First World War and its aftermath. Consider the evolving representations of military service during that time. Editor: Exactly. These studies feel raw, less about glorifying war and more about grappling with its human cost. The hands gripping the sword...tense. Curator: How do you think these drawings work within the context of Sargent's broader oeuvre and the cultural narratives surrounding WWI? Editor: They provide a more intimate glimpse into Sargent's process, revealing the anxieties and complexities that often get glossed over in grand, finished works. Curator: Indeed, and examining these pieces allows us to question the traditional heroic narratives often associated with war memorials. Editor: Definitely shifts my perspective. Thanks for that. Curator: My pleasure, it's always rewarding to unpack these layers together.