Study of Adam for the "Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary"

The Study of Adam for the "Fifteen Mysteries of the Rosary" by John Singer Sargent was executed between 1903 and 1916, placing it firmly within the flourishing American art scene of the 1901 to 1925 period. This powerful preparatory work is realized in charcoal on gray laid paper, providing a textural ground that enhanced Sargent’s technique for rapidly capturing light, shadow, and volume. The drawing is directly related to the ambitious mural cycle Sargent created for the Boston Public Library, a commission that consumed much of his time and attention in the early twentieth century.

As an artist known primarily for his dazzling society portraits, Sargent relied heavily on expressive charcoal studies like this one when formulating his monumental decorative schemes. The medium allowed him to define the figure's mass and position swiftly before committing to a final oil sketch or canvas. In this particular piece, Adam is rendered with careful attention to classical anatomy, reflecting the academic training that underpinned Sargent's dramatic compositions. The gray laid paper acts as a mid-tone, enabling Sargent to establish both brilliant highlights and deep shadows with precision, defining the heroic musculature required for the final allegorical installation.

The years surrounding the creation of this study mark a significant transition in Sargent’s career, as he increasingly stepped away from easel portraiture to focus on grand public commissions. This drawing illustrates his commitment to exploring complex mythological and historical narratives, moving beyond contemporary society subjects. The National Gallery of Art maintains this drawing as part of its extensive collection of Sargent’s drawings, providing insight into the American master’s intensive working process. As a key example of preparatory design from the early 20th century, the work is highly valued by scholars, and high-quality prints are often made available, sometimes falling into the public domain due to their age and historical importance.