Studies of a Man’s Head c. 1875

John Singer Sargent made these Studies of a Man’s Head, with graphite on paper. Sargent was one of the leading portrait painters of his era, creating likenesses of the wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These studies invite us to consider not just the physical features of the man, but also the construction of masculinity during a time of social and cultural change. Notice how Sargent renders the contours of the face with sensitivity, capturing the play of light and shadow on the skin. This emphasis on the male gaze, combined with the sitter's composed expression, evokes a sense of quiet introspection. Through his sketches, Sargent seems to question the very notion of representation. What does it mean to capture an individual's essence on paper? How do societal expectations of gender influence our perceptions of identity? Ultimately, these studies invite us to reflect on the complexities of human experience.