Study for ‘Phaethon’ (1922-1925)

Technique: Giclée quality print
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John Singer Sargent, a master of realism and psychological depth, presents an intense exploration of mythological narrative in his drawing, Study for ‘Phaethon’ (1922-1925). This work serves as a preparatory study for a larger composition, reflecting Sargent’s intricate process of capturing human emotion and motion.The drawing eloquently depicts the figure of Phaethon, the son of the sun god Helios, in mid-fall. According to myth, Phaethon’s attempt to drive his father's sun-chariot led to disaster when he lost control, threatening the Earth with scorching heat. As a consequence, Zeus struck him down.Sargent’s portrayal is both dynamic and poignant. The figure is caught in an eternal descent, his body contorted by the momentum of his fall. The use of minimal yet precise lines against the plain background accentuates Phaethon's form and the sensation of movement. This economy of detail directs the viewer’s focus entirely on the physical and emotional intensity of the fall, highlighting the fragility of human endeavor in the face of divine forces.Through this compelling sketch, Sargent not only showcases his exceptional skill in anatomical representation but also invites reflection on the timeless themes of hubris and mortal limitations.

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Born in Florence to American expatriate parents, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) is considered Europe's leading portrait painter of the Edwardian era. He was educated at both Accademia delle Belle Arti and Paris's École des Beaux Arts. While in Paris, under the guidance of Émile–Auguste Carolus–Duran, a portraitist and muralist, Sargent learned to paint directly from observation without first sketching, employing a fluidity, influenced by the Impressionists. Sargent created more than 2,900 paintings, mainly portraits and landscapes from his travels across the Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and America.