Whispers

John Singer Sargent

ca. 1883–84 · Charcoal and graphite on off-white laid paper · The American Wing

A prolific and successful painter in oil and watercolor, Sargent seems to have sketched almost incessantly. He made rapid studies, such as this one, in preparation for his paintings or simply as impressions of his surroundings. Sargent captures a candid moment between Virginie Gautreau (1859–1915), at left, and an unidentified companion. He eschews detailed anatomical study in order to record their fleeting poses and gestures.

Artist

John Singer Sargent

Date

ca. 1883–84

Medium

Charcoal and graphite on off-white laid paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950