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Studies for "Gassed"

John Singer Sargent

1918

charcoal

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern World War I

Dominant colour

Studies for "Gassed" is a 1918 charcoal by John Singer Sargent, depicting World War I, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Singer Sargent
When & what style?: 1918
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This charcoal sketch shows wounded soldiers with bandaged eyes, some leaning on each other. Most studies focus only on faces or shoulders. The blindfolds suggest gas attacks in World War I. Sargent sketched these while visiting a British hospital. The images feel raw because he worked fast, capturing tired expressions before the men changed pose. Look up Sargent, John Singer next.

About the artist

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.

See the richer artist page