Motorcycle [recto]

Motorcycle [recto] is a compelling drawing created by John Singer Sargent in 1918. Executed using graphite on wove paper, this work, classified simply as a drawing, offers a glimpse into the artist's observational practices outside of his famed portrait commissions. The piece is characterized by Sargent’s highly economical yet decisive use of line, defining the complex mechanical form of the vehicle with spontaneous energy.

Dating from 1918, during the core of the 1901 to 1925 period, this spontaneous study captures a moment of modern technology amid the transformative years surrounding the First World War. While Sargent, a leading American artist, is primarily known for his opulent society portraits, this sketch reveals his continuous observational practice and his willingness to document unexpected or contemporary subjects. The subject matter a motorcycle likely relates to the artist's time documenting military movements and machinery while serving as a war artist toward the close of the conflict.

The rapid application of graphite on the wove paper suggests that the piece was executed quickly, possibly documenting a specific military or utilitarian vehicle for reference. Sargent expertly defines the bulk and curves of the machine, prioritizing structural integrity over superfluous detail, a testament to his mastery of graphic skill even in preparatory work. This drawing is preserved as part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, offering valuable insight into the less formal studies of the celebrated American master. Because works from this important era are frequently made available under public domain licenses, high-quality prints and reference images of Motorcycle [recto] circulate widely for scholarly and public access.