The artwork, titled “Heads, Hands, and Figure (also known as Studies for Gassed)”, was crafted by John Singer Sargent in 1918, using charcoal as the medium. It belongs to the Realism art movement and is a sketch and study genre piece. The dimensions of the artwork are 45.72 x 60.96 cm.
The artwork depicts a series of detailed studies focusing on the human form, with an emphasis on heads and hands. It features multiple views of heads; some are shown with bandages over their eyes, evoking a sense of affliction or injury, while others illustrate a side profile or a bird’s-eye view. The hand studies display meticulous attention to the anatomy and position of fingers. The overall composition is drawn with expert precision, demonstrating Sargent’s keen observational skills and his dedication to the Realist tradition. The drawings serve as preparatory studies, likely intended for a larger, more comprehensive piece.
