The artwork titled “Two Studies for Soldiers of Gassed,” created by John Singer Sargent around the year 1918, is a charcoal sketch and study representative of the Realism art movement. With dimensions of 47.3 by 62.1 cm, the piece exemplifies preliminary studies of soldiers, likely preparatory sketches for a larger work.
In this artwork, two soldiers are depicted in a state indicative of the aftermath of a gas attack, reflecting the harrowing realities of warfare. The medium of charcoal is utilized to create a striking contrast, lending a sense of immediacy and rawness to the figures. On the left, a soldier is shown standing with a rifle slung over their shoulder, conveyed through minimal yet expressive line work. On the right, another soldier is depicted in a dynamic pose, clutching a cloth to their face in an evident attempt to shield themselves from gas exposure. The sketch lacks detailed background or surroundings, focusing entirely on the human figures and their visceral experiences, thereby encapsulating the essence of realism in capturing the brutal truths of war.
