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Visual Composition: The painting portrays the mythological figure Orestes, a central character from Greek tragedy, hounded by the relentless Erinyes or Furies. The composition captures the dramatic tension and psychological torment faced by Orestes. In the forefront, Orestes is depicted in a physically dynamic yet emotionally subdued pose, his figure robust and muscular, accentuating the powerful human form Sargent was so adept at capturing.

The backdrop features the menacing silhouettes of the Furies, their expressions contorted with rage and relentless pursuit. The Furies are enveloped in flowing, almost spectral draperies, adding to the sense of them being otherworldly and unstoppable forces of vengeance. The use of dark tones and sharp contrasts creates an atmosphere of dread and highlights the inexorable nature of Orestes' plight.

Details: Sargent’s treatment of light and shadow is meticulous – serving to heighten the emotional stress of the scene. The dramatic chiaroscuro lends depth and a palpable tension to the figures. The muscular delineation of Orestes is remarkable, reflecting Sargent's profound understanding of anatomy and his ability to convey energy and emotion through the human body.

The Artist: John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was among the foremost portrait painters of his era, celebrated for his virtuosity and distinctive style which straddled the transition from late Victorian to modern art movements. While he is best known for his portraits, Sargent also undertook significant mural commissions later in his career.

The Original Painting and its Location: The original mural for which this study was a preparatory work is located in the rotunda of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Sargent was commissioned to create a series of murals for the museum, which he worked on between 1916 and 1925. This particular series includes themes drawn from classical mythology and epic literature, exploring human experiences and moral questions.

Artistic Significance: Working on murals allowed Sargent to explore grander themes and compositions than those typically afforded by portraiture. His mural commissions, including the ones for the MFA Boston, allowed him to experiment with large-scale narratives and dynamic groupings of figures. This mural series is reflective of his late style, characterized by bold, expressive brushwork and a departure from the refined, often sumptuous detail of his earlier portraits.

1. Technique and Preparation: Sargent’s preparatory studies are characterised by their exploratory nature. They often provide insights into his creative process, showing how he worked through compositional challenges and experimented with poses and light effects.

2. Subject Choice: The choice of Orestes and the Furies underscores Sargent’s interest in complex psychological states and moral dilemmas, themes that resonate deeply within classical mythology and literature.

3. Mural Context: The murals at the MFA reflect a broader trend in American art during the early 20th century, where there was a renewed interest in classical themes as a means to explore contemporary social and psychological issues.

"Study for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Murals: Orestes and the Furies" encapsulates Sargent’s ability to fuse classical subject matter with a modern sensibility. The study serves as a compelling preview of the larger mural, highlighting his skill in draftsmanship and his profound understanding of human emotion and physicality. Through this work, Sargent not only showcases his technical prowess but also his ability to imbue classical themes with renewed vigor and relevance.