Studies of Peasants [verso]

Studies of Peasants [verso] by John Singer Sargent is an intimate example of the artist's early exploratory work, created between 1870 and 1872. This subtle piece is classified as a drawing, executed in graphite on wove paper. The use of graphite, a forgiving and immediate medium, facilitated Sargent's characteristic precision in capturing human forms. As part of the artist’s preparatory studies, this work offers early insight into Sargent’s technical development before his major success as a society portraitist later in his career. The technique emphasizes quick observation, utilizing varied pressure to define contour and volume across the composition.

While Sargent is most widely known as an American expatriate artist working primarily in Europe, this drawing belongs to a vital period of artistic exploration during the years 1851 to 1875. These studies of peasants reflect a common academic interest in genre scenes and the representation of everyday life, often observed during Sargent’s early travels or time spent focusing on figure studies in European drawing academies. Sargent's delicate lines define movement and gesture, focusing intently on the human figure rather than specific setting or environment.

The cultural classification of this work as American places it within the broader tradition of 19th-century US artists studying abroad. This important drawing is currently held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., where it contributes to a comprehensive representation of Sargent's multifaceted output. Given its historical significance, the preparatory study is often made available to scholars and the public through digital reproductions. High-quality prints derived from this foundational work are accessible, reflecting its value as both a key academic exercise and an artistic achievement now in the public domain.