Artwork

Trucks [recto]

Trucks [recto], by John Singer Sargent, graphite, 1918
Trucks [recto], by John Singer Sargent, graphite, 1918

Trucks [recto] is a graphite 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. 43

About this work

Overview

Trucks [recto] is a 1918 drawing by John Singer Sargent, executed in graphite on wove paper. It presents a frontal view of three early 20th-century trucks.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts vintage trucks with characteristic grilles and rounded headlights, capturing their industrial design. The representation conveys a sense of the era's technology and industry.

Technique & Style

Sargent employed pencil shading to create depth and texture, accentuating the trucks' features and forms. The shading technique adds a layer of detail to the drawing, highlighting the subjects' industrial character.

History & Provenance

Created in 1918, the drawing reflects the artist's interest in contemporary industrial subjects during a period of significant technological change.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Singer Sargent

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Trucks [recto]?

Trucks [recto] was painted by John Singer Sargent in 1918.

Where can I see Trucks [recto]?

Trucks [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

Can I buy a print of Trucks [recto]?

Museum-quality prints of Trucks [recto] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.