Head of a Boy; and the Entrance to a Shack

Head of a Boy; and the Entrance to a Shack, created by John Singer Sargent in 1871, is an important example of the artist's foundational technical ability in drawing. This early work, executed in graphite on wove paper, demonstrates Sargent’s precocious skill in rendering form through meticulous light and shadow, even at the age of fifteen. The piece falls within the initial phase of the American artist’s career, placing it firmly within the 1851 to 1875 period, before he achieved international acclaim for his monumental society portraits.

The composition is intentionally bifurcated, showcasing two distinct subjects rendered on a single sheet of wove paper. The titular head of the boy is rendered with delicate shading, focusing on capturing the volume and contours of the young face, suggesting either a quick study from life or an exploration of expressive character. The adjacent study, depicting the Entrance to a Shack, highlights the contrast between the organic human subject and the geometric structure of a building. Sargent utilizes the graphite medium to expertly capture subtle textures, from the relative smoothness of the boy’s skin to the rough wood or stone surface of the dwelling. This commitment to keen observational skill is characteristic of the rigorous academic training the young artist was undergoing during this formative decade.

Classificationally defined as a Drawing, this piece offers valuable insight into Sargent’s process and technical development prior to the refinement of his signature style. The work resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is preserved as part of the rich cultural heritage of the American school of art. Given its age and historical importance, the work is often considered to be in the public domain, allowing high-quality prints to be widely accessible to scholars and admirers globally.