Studies for "Gassed" 1918 - 1919

John Singer Sargent's "Studies for 'Gassed'" is a poignant series of sketches depicting the aftermath of a gas attack during World War I. Created in 1918-1919, these charcoal drawings capture the vulnerability and suffering of soldiers blinded by gas. Sargent, known for his masterful portraits, uses these quick sketches to study the human form, emphasizing the fragility and impact of war on individuals. This preparatory work for his monumental painting "Gassed" (1919) demonstrates Sargent's use of quick sketches to capture the raw emotion of the moment and inform his larger, more finished works.