Study for ‘History’, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 1916 - 1921

John Singer Sargent’s “Study for ‘History’” is a preliminary sketch for a larger mural. Completed between 1916 and 1921, the painting depicts a seated, nude figure holding a quill and an oil lamp, gazing upwards. The figure, likely representing history, is rendered in a realistic and expressive style, capturing the artist's signature approach to light and shadow. Sargent's masterful use of color and composition is evident, as seen in the subtle nuances of flesh tones and the dynamic pose of the figure within the circular frame. This preparatory work showcases Sargent's process and offers a glimpse into the development of a grander artistic vision.