Soldiers in a Devastated Landscape [recto] 1918

"Soldiers in a Devastated Landscape" (1918) is a pencil sketch by the renowned American painter John Singer Sargent. Created during World War I, the work captures the devastation of war through its depiction of a barren landscape littered with broken trees and scattered buildings. The inclusion of soldiers passing by in the foreground adds a sense of human presence amidst the ruins, highlighting the impact of the conflict on both the environment and individuals. This intimate work, measuring just 25.4 x 36.2 cm, offers a poignant glimpse into the grim reality of war through Sargent's masterful and sensitive hand.