Studies for "Gassed"

Studies for "Gassed" is a powerful group of preliminary sketches created by John Singer Sargent between 1918 and 1919. These rapid compositions were essential drafts for Sargent’s subsequent monumental oil painting, Gassed, a devastating depiction of wartime suffering commissioned by the British War Memorials Committee. Executed using charcoal on laid paper, the drawings showcase the immediacy of the artist's technique, capturing the harrowing scenes he observed during his time on the Western Front toward the close of the First World War.

Sargent utilized the expressive potential of charcoal to quickly define the poses and movements of the blinded soldiers. The rough tooth of the laid paper enhances the texture of the drawing, underscoring the urgency and chaotic environment. Unlike the carefully balanced final canvas, these studies isolate figures and compositional details, focusing intensely on the rhythmic, stumbling march of men stripped of their sight by mustard gas. The drawings convey the visceral trauma and the protective reliance between comrades as they navigate the desolate landscape. This preparatory work provides critical insight into the compositional challenges Sargent faced in translating a complex, multi-figure action into a coherent visual narrative.

This compelling piece of American drawing from the 1901 to 1925 period remains a vital document of the conflict and a crucial step in the creation of one of the 20th century’s most profound anti-war statements. The work confirms Sargent’s technical mastery even in quick sketch form and his emotional investment in the subject matter. The piece is classified as a drawing and is held within the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art. As with many significant works from this era, high-resolution prints of this historical work are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its accessibility for academic study.