Study for ‘Astronomy’ (c. 1921)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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John Singer Sargent's "Study for ‘Astronomy’" (circa 1921) offers a compelling glimpse into the artist's creative process, showcasing his mastery in charcoal on paper. This evocative study presents a female figure framed within a circular motif, her gaze lifted skyward with an expression of awe or contemplation. The use of sweeping, graceful lines conveys a sense of fluidity and motion, as her draped garments seem to swirl around her.This drawing is believed to be a preparatory work for a larger, more elaborate composition, exploring themes of astronomy and the grandeur of the universe. The annotations on the drawing suggest Sargent’s thoughtful consideration of celestial themes, with references to constellations like Scorpio, Libra, Cancer, and Gemini.Sargent’s skill in capturing the sublime beauty of his subjects is evident in the delicate rendering of the figure against the simplicity of the blank, circular background, which may symbolize the celestial sphere.
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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.