Men on a Spar c. 1876

"Men on a Spar" is a pencil sketch by American artist John Singer Sargent, created around 1876. This preliminary drawing shows a dynamic scene of men working on a ship's spar, capturing the energy and movement of the sailors. The loose, gestural lines suggest the swiftness of the action and the artist's quick observation. Sargent, known for his portraits and figure paintings, often utilized sketches like this to study anatomy, composition, and light before embarking on larger works. The study serves as a reminder of his keen eye for capturing human figures in motion.