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Study for "Apollo and the Muses"

John Singer Sargent

1921

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern Mythology Engraving Proces

Dominant colour

Study for "Apollo and the Muses" is a 1921 graphite by John Singer Sargent, depicting Engraving Proces, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Singer Sargent
When & what style?: 1921
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows swirling figures in graphite. Lines jump and twist. One central figure raises its arms like it’s conducting the chaos. Sargent made this study before painting a big mural. He sketched poses fast to lock down energy and flow. Graphite lets him blur edges and suggest motion. Check the graphite lines up close. See how he uses the paper’s texture for depth. Compare it to 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