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Studies of a Swan

John Singer Sargent

1890

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Animal

Dominant colour

Studies of a Swan is a 1890 graphite by John Singer Sargent, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Singer Sargent
When & what style?: 1890 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

The drawing shows a swan’s long neck curved in graceful loops. Light pencil lines twist and turn to catch each feather’s curve. Sargent used graphite like a sculptor carves wood. He pressed hard for dark shadows, then smoothed edges to make the swan feel alive. His birds always seem ready to step off the page. For more swan drawings, look up Sargent, John Singer.

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