Figure Studies of a Nude Youth 

John Singer Sargent made this drawing of a nude youth using graphite on paper. At first glance, it looks like a simple study, quickly rendered. But look more closely and you’ll see the skill that is evident. The sensitivity to the weight and texture of the body, the close observation, and the control over the graphite itself. Graphite is one of the most common art materials, and in the 19th century, it was central to both artistic training and industrial production. Its easy availability and affordability meant that it could be used for everything from rapid sketches to detailed technical drawings. Sargent would have been familiar with graphite’s versatility, and here, he uses it to great effect, creating a study that is both precise and expressive. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in art can change how we see it. It allows us to understand the artist’s skill and decisions, while connecting the artwork to broader cultural and economic systems.