Study of a Young Man, Seated

Study of a Young Man, Seated by John Singer Sargent and Frederick Goulding is a sophisticated example of collaborative printmaking created in 1895. Classified as a transfer lithograph, the work was executed in rich black ink on laid paper, a choice that emphasizes texture and tonal depth. This piece represents a significant synergy between the great American portraitist, Sargent, and the highly regarded British master printer, Goulding. Sargent provided the original design or study, which was subsequently transferred to the printing stone by Goulding, whose meticulous technical standards were highly sought after by leading European and American artists of the era. The collaboration underscores the period's growing interest in lithography as a viable and expressive fine art medium, moving beyond its primarily commercial applications.

The subject of the print is captured in a relaxed, informal pose, characteristic of Sargent’s mastery in depicting momentary intimacy ratherosity rather than formal, structured portraiture. The loose rendering suggests a preparatory study, highlighting the artist’s acute attention to anatomy and gesture. The technique of the transfer lithograph allows for subtle gradations of tone, visible in the skillful handling of light and shadow on the figure and the implied drapery. This intense focus on light and form, rendered through the granular texture inherent to the lithographic process, places the work firmly within the stylistic and technical developments characterizing the artistic trends of the late nineteenth century, spanning the period from 1876 to 1900.

While Sargent is primarily celebrated for his commanding oil paintings, his engagement with graphic media, facilitated by experts like Goulding, highlights his constant exploration of different representational challenges. The existence of these Study of a Young Man, Seated prints solidifies Sargent’s influence within American culture internationally, even during his years working extensively abroad. This important piece is housed in the extensive collection of American prints held by the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., offering vital insight into the technical methods utilized by fin de siècle artists. As a historical work now in the NGA’s collection, the image often falls into the public domain, making high-resolution reproductions available for serious study and appreciation worldwide.