Lake Shore, Menaggio [recto]

Lake Shore, Menaggio [recto], created by John Singer Sargent in 1869, is an intimate and early example of the artist's foundational draftsmanship. Executed in graphite on wove paper, this detailed drawing provides essential insight into Sargent’s rigorous observational practice during his formative years. Created when the artist was only thirteen, the work reflects the beginning of a prolific output rooted in his peripatetic childhood traveling across Europe with his family. This piece is a crucial element in understanding the technical development of one of the most celebrated American artists of the late nineteenth century.

The subject matter captures a tranquil view of the lakeshore near Menaggio, a small town situated on Lake Como in Italy. This type of focused preparatory sketch or study, characteristic of the 1851 to 1875 period, illustrates Sargent's early interest in precisely recording natural forms and architectural elements observed during his extensive travels. Even in this youthful work, Sargent demonstrates a remarkable ability to convey atmosphere and texture using only pencil. The careful handling of the graphite suggests movement in the water and depth in the background elements, distinguishing shapes and planes through delicate variation in pressure and line quality.

As a significant example of early American graphic art, Lake Shore, Menaggio [recto] is classified simply as a Drawing and forms part of a larger body of studies that collectively document Sargent’s prodigious talent before his focus shifted entirely to large-scale oil portraiture. The piece is currently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it contributes to the museum's comprehensive holdings of historical American works. Many works from this early phase of the artist’s career have since entered the public domain, facilitating widespread access to high-quality prints and reproductions for continued scholarship and appreciation. This specific drawing serves as a valuable record of Sargent's technical training and provides context for the expansive trajectory of his long and influential career.