Motorcycle (verso) (1918)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Artist John Singer Sargent, renowned for his masterful portraits, reveals a less familiar but equally captivating subject in his 1918 sketch "Motorcycle (verso)." Executed with delicate and rapid strokes, this drawing gives insight into Sargent's versatility and awareness of modern developments.The sketch portrays a early 20th century motorcycle viewed from a front perspective. Its focus centers on the rounded headlight and intricate handlebars, inviting the viewer to appreciate the mechanical details and functional aspects of the machine. The front wheel and parts of the chassis are delineated with light, gestural lines that communicate the artist's rapid observation and perhaps a moment of fleeting inspiration.While Sargent is primarily celebrated for his lush and intricate depictions of Edwardian era figures, this sketch shows his ability to capture technological subjects with the same sensitivity and finesse. It bridges historical and artistic realms, suggesting a moment of intersection between traditional artistry and industrial innovation.
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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.