Napoleonic Head and Judgment of Paris [verso]

Napoleonic Head and Judgment of Paris [verso] by John Singer Sargent is a significant early drawing dating from 1871 to 1872. Executed in precise graphite on wove paper, this work showcases Sargent's foundational skills during a formative period of his career. Classified formally as a drawing, the piece is notable for its dual subject matter, featuring two distinct studies across the recto and verso of the single sheet.

The primary study, the "Napoleonic Head," likely reflects the academic practice of drawing from plaster casts or historical sources, a common exercise in European art academies that fostered skill in depicting historical and classical figures. This side demonstrates a meticulous attention to volumetric form and detailed shading techniques. Conversely, the verso features the Judgment of Paris, a scene drawn from classical Greek mythology concerning the selection of the most beautiful goddess. Sargent renders this mythological narrative using delicate linear work, further revealing the artist’s rigorous, traditional art education during the period spanning 1851 to 1875.

While Sargent is primarily known for his later monumental oil paintings, these detailed preparatory drawings are crucial for understanding the genesis of his prodigious talent. This early focus on drawing, combined with his dedication to classical subjects, established the technical foundation necessary for his later fame as a leading portraitist. Although much of his training took place in Europe, this work contributes importantly to the continuum of American art, demonstrating the international influences absorbed by American artists of the era.

This drawing, a testament to the artist's dedication to mastering anatomical structure and compositional arrangement, is part of the distinguished permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. The accessibility of such works is enhanced as early drawings by Sargent increasingly enter the public domain, allowing students and historians access to high-quality prints for close study.