Artwork

Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto)

Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto), by John Singer Sargent, 1918
Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto), by John Singer Sargent, 1918

Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto) is a drawing by John Singer Sargent. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1997.256.a
Credit line
Gift of Jane Iglauer Fallon in memory of Harold Fallon

About this work

Overview

This drawing is a preparatory study for John Singer Sargent's large-scale painting Gassed, created for the British War Memorial Committee to commemorate World War I.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a soldier drinking from a canteen, a quiet moment captured amidst the chaos of war, focusing on a simple human need rather than the violence of the scene.

Technique & Style

Executed in a loose and rapid style, the drawing conveys a sense of immediacy and observation, characteristic of Sargent's studies for Gassed.

History & Provenance

Sargent witnessed the scene that inspired Gassed during a visit to France in 1918; the final painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art in London in 1919 and is now held by the Imperial War Museum.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Singer Sargent

Artist

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (; January 12, 1856 – April 15, 1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto)?

Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto) was painted by John Singer Sargent in 1918.

Where can I see Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto)?

Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto)?

Museum-quality prints of Studies of a Soldier Drinking, for Gassed (recto) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.