Study for "Astronomy" by John Singer Sargent is a detailed preparatory drawing executed between 1916 and 1921. Created using charcoal on laid paper, this powerful American drawing showcases the artist's masterful handling of the medium, emphasizing volume, mass, and dramatic lighting effects crucial for large-scale architectural commissions. The drawing is classified as a study, developed during the final years of the artist's monumental mural work.
Sargent spent the later phase of his career, corresponding directly to the 1901 to 1925 period, dedicated primarily to complex decorative projects, shifting away from the society portraits that had defined his earlier fame. This particular piece relates to the final phases of his decades-long installation at the Boston Public Library (BPL). While the massive BPL mural cycle encompassed themes ranging from the history of religious traditions to cosmology, this drawing isolates a singular figure intended to embody the classical understanding of astronomy, science, or allegorical inquiry. Sargent employed charcoal frequently for these studies, as it allowed him to rapidly block out massive forms and experiment with the high-contrast lighting necessary for compositions installed high above the viewer.
As a vital document detailing Sargent's working process, this drawing offers insights into his transition from precise portraiture to the powerful allegorical style demanded by mural painting. The precision in the rendering of drapery and the careful consideration of the light source demonstrate why the artist remains one of the most celebrated figures of early twentieth-century American art. This historically significant work is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Because of the historical relevance and the artist's stature, images of preparatory works like this often enter the public domain after copyright expiration, allowing for the widespread availability of high-quality fine art prints for researchers and enthusiasts globally.
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