Studies for "Gassed"

John Singer Sargent

National Gallery of Art

This is a collection of pencil sketches showing multiple views of soldiers and their features. The sketches do not capture full bodies; rather, they focus on either heads or partial figures. Several drawings portray the subjects as lying down, with different angles showing them in a side-lying position. The faces of these individuals are detailed, showing varied expressions, some with their eyes closed. The hair of each person is depicted with varying lengths, with several sketches featuring close-cropped styles. Clothing is not prominently featured except for a depiction of a uniform jacket and a military helmet in some sketches. A few of the figures have blindfolds. The background of the sketch is plain, with no additional objects or scenery, allowing emphasis on the depicted figures.