The artwork, titled “Study for Two Heads for Boston Mural ‘The Prophets’,” was created by John Singer Sargent around the year 1882. This piece is executed in oil on cardboard and is associated with the Realism movement. Its dimensions are 59.05 by 86.99 cm, and it falls under the genre of sketch and study, signifying its purpose as preparatory work for a larger mural project.
The artwork features two distinct male heads, depicted side by side with a high level of detail and expressive brushwork. Both figures exhibit full beards and appear to be dressed in loose, flowing garments, with their expressions conveying a sense of wisdom and gravitas. The right head is more finished, presenting a detailed and focused expression, while the left head, though equally serious, appears to be in a slightly more preliminary stage, evident by the broader and less refined brush strokes. The use of light and shadow accentuates the contours of the faces, highlighting the artist’s skill in capturing human likeness and emotion. The background of the artwork remains relatively abstract, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain firmly on the subjects, which are likely studies for prophet figures intended for a mural in Boston.
