Artwork preview

Study for "Handmaid of the Lord"

John Singer Sargent

National Gallery of Art

The drawing depicts the upper half of a figure with arms raised, possibly in the midst of pulling on or taking off a coat. The figure's head is blurred and shadowy. The coat has substantial volume, shaded folds, and creases indicating a thick texture. One sleeve is prominent while the other is slightly obscured by shadows. The sketching style is loose and gestural, focusing on capturing the flow and form of the fabric. The background is plain.

Artwork Details

Date
1903-1916
Medium
charcoal on gray laid paper
Dimensions
4000 × 3080 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original