Studies of Victory for "Death and Victory"

Studies of Victory for "Death and Victory" by John Singer Sargent, created between 1920 and 1922, exemplifies the American artist’s late-career mastery of figure drawing and preparation for large-scale murals. This powerful drawing, executed in charcoal on laid paper, demonstrates Sargent’s vigorous line work and tonal modeling as he developed the final composition for his commission at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

The work is a detailed preparatory study focusing specifically on the figure of 'Victory,' one of the central allegorical elements in the monumental canvas Death and Victory. Sargent utilized charcoal to rapidly capture the dynamism and dramatic lighting essential for the final mural. The technique of charcoal on laid paper allowed for rich, varied darks and subtle gradations of gray, defining the musculature and flowing drapery of the heroic figure in motion.

As a significant example of American drawing from the period 1901 to 1925, this study provides insight into the creative process of one of the era’s most celebrated artists. Following the devastating conclusion of World War I, Sargent was deeply involved in creating memorial art, and this piece reflects the high-minded allegorical style prevalent in public art of the early 20th century. The dynamic pose suggests triumph and resilience, themes critical to the post-war climate.

This drawing is preserved as part of the extensive collection of American art at the National Gallery of Art. The clarity and precision of the charcoal drawing remain remarkable, offering scholars and enthusiasts an intimate look at Sargent’s working method. High-quality prints of such preparatory works often circulate, allowing wider appreciation of the preparatory stages of major public domain artworks.