Tree Trunks [verso] 1868 - 1869

This graphite drawing of tree trunks was made by John Singer Sargent, though the date of its creation is unknown. Sargent, who lived from 1856 to 1925, was an American artist known for his portraits of the upper class. While Sargent made his name depicting the wealthy, here we see a more informal and intimate study of nature. The sketch captures the subtle textures and forms of the trees, perhaps in a move to represent them in a less romanticized and more objective manner. This shift could be seen as a reflection of the broader cultural movements of the time, as artists and intellectuals grappled with questions of identity, modernity, and the changing relationship between humans and the natural world. Ultimately, Sargent's drawing offers a quiet moment of contemplation, inviting us to consider the complex interplay between nature, representation, and the artist's own personal vision.