Study for "Phaethon" 1922 - 1925

"Study for 'Phaethon'" is a pencil drawing by John Singer Sargent, created between 1922 and 1925. This study depicts a nude male figure falling headfirst, likely referencing the myth of Phaethon, who fell from the sky after attempting to drive the sun chariot. Sargent's masterful use of line captures the dynamism of the figure, and the rough paper adds a textural element to the drawing. This preliminary sketch is a testament to Sargent's working process and his fascination with the human form.