Head of a Man

This graphite drawing captures the head of a man, likely a model, with an immediacy that suggests a moment caught in time. Created in 1874, it dates to John Singer Sargent's early student years in Paris, where he was honing his skills at the École des Beaux-Arts and under the tutelage of Carolus-Duran. The artist was just eighteen, yet already demonstrating a confident hand in rendering form and expression. The subtle shading and delicate lines on the gray-green paper build a sense of volume, giving the man a lifelike presence. It's a testament to the rigorous academic training of the period, where mastering drawing from life was fundamental. This study reveals the foundational skills that would later inform his celebrated portraits, showcasing his early command of capturing character through concise, observational drawing.