Artwork
Study of Adam for the "Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary"
Study of Adam for the "Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary" is a charcoal drawing by John Singer Sargent. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right edge in graphite by unknown hand: 6.6.8; upper left verso in graphite by unknown hand: 2.16.8; upper right verso in graphite by unknown hand: S.6.90; lower left verso in graphite by unknown hand: 6.6.8
About this work
Overview
John Singer Sargent’s charcoal study presents a seated male figure, captured from the upper legs to the torso. Executed on gray laid paper, the drawing isolates the pose intended for the larger composition titled “Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary.” The composition is simple, with a neutral background that keeps attention on the figure’s form and the surrounding drapery.
Subject & Meaning
The figure represents Adam, the biblical first man, as a preparatory study for a religious narrative. By portraying him in a relaxed yet dignified seated position, Sargent emphasizes both the humanity and the solemnity appropriate to the Rosary’s contemplative themes. The pose suggests a moment of quiet reflection, aligning with the spiritual intent of the finished work.
Technique & Style
Rendered in charcoal on gray laid paper, the drawing showcases Sargent’s deft handling of line and tone. He renders the folds of the drapery with subtle gradations, creating a tactile sense of fabric texture. The contrast between the dark charcoal and the muted gray surface enhances the three‑dimensionality of the torso and legs, highlighting his mastery of chiaroscuro in drawing.
History & Provenance
The study was produced as a preparatory sketch for the “Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary” series, a project Sargent pursued in the early 20th century. While the final painted composition was never completed, the drawing remains a testament to his process, documenting the artist’s method of working from detailed studies before committing to larger, narrative works.
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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.
![Study of Drapery [verso], by John Singer Sargent](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-singer-sargent--study-of-drapery-verso--af011b294c02210f-w320.webp)
![Falling Male Nude [verso], by John Singer Sargent](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-singer-sargent--falling-male-nude-verso--bfafa5990eb423f7-w320.webp)