Study of a Young Man in a Robe, Standing

Study of a Young Man in a Robe, Standing by John Singer Sargent, created in 1895, is a significant example of American graphic arts produced during the prolific period of 1876 to 1900. This particular work is classified as a print, executed expertly as a transfer lithograph on wove paper.

Sargent utilized the transfer lithograph technique, which enabled him to draw quickly on paper rather than directly onto the heavier lithographic stone, offering greater flexibility and immediacy than traditional etching. This approach captures the swift, dynamic quality characteristic of Sargent's preliminary sketches, focusing primarily on the interplay of shadow and volume rather than fine descriptive detail. The standing male subject is dramatically draped in a heavy, flowing robe, dominating the frame. The robust application of shadow across the figure creates a powerful sense of three-dimensional form, suggesting the model might have been posed under strong, directional studio lighting typical of the period.

The composition emphasizes the verticality of the young man and the complex cascade of the fabric, lending the piece a classical dignity often seen in studies intended for grand-scale works. Sargent frequently produced such detailed figure studies as preparation for his major mural cycles or for large-format portraits. Although recognized primarily as a leading American artist, Sargent’s technique and subject matter reflect the international artistic currents of the late 19th century, drawing heavily on his extensive training and experience in Europe. This reliance on the expressive power of the human figure, particularly in monochromatic medium, was central to the aesthetic concerns of the age.

This powerful print demonstrates Sargent's ability to translate the fluid, painterly quality of his oils into the linear and tonal constraints of printmaking. The work is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a key piece of American art history and due to its age, high-resolution images and prints of this study are often made available through the museum's commitment to the public domain.