Artwork
Studies for "Gassed"
Studies for "Gassed" is a charcoal drawing by John Singer Sargent. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in graphite by unknown hand: J.S.309.
About this work
Overview
Studies for 'Gassed' is a charcoal drawing on laid paper by John Singer Sargent, comprising multiple sketches of soldiers.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts wounded soldiers, often with bandaged eyes, conveying the emotional toll of war. The focus on faces and upper bodies emphasizes the human cost of conflict, while blindfolds allude to gas attacks in World War I.
Technique & Style
Sargent's rapid sketching captured the raw, tired expressions of the soldiers before they changed pose, resulting in a sense of immediacy.
History & Provenance
The sketches were made during a visit to a British hospital, where Sargent observed and drew the wounded soldiers.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
![Studies for "Gassed" [recto], by John Singer Sargent](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-singer-sargent--studies-for-gassed-recto--1cd4a47eb68752d0-w320.webp)
![Studies for "Gassed" [recto], by John Singer Sargent](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-singer-sargent--studies-for-gassed-recto--bf7797882a33859c-w320.webp)
![Studies for "Entering the War" [recto], by John Singer Sargent](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-singer-sargent--studies-for-entering-the-war-recto--358a2c3ea8bd7639-w320.webp)
