Head and hands of seated musicians (study for El Jaleo) 1880

John Singer Sargent made this study of seated musicians, focusing on their heads and hands, with graphite on paper. The quick, almost frenetic marks suggest the tempo of the music and the passion of the performance. Graphite, in its essence, is pure carbon. When used in pencils, it's mixed with clay, the ratio determining the hardness and darkness of the line. Here, Sargent seems to favor a softer grade, allowing for varied tones and textures. The choice of graphite and paper is significant. Unlike oil paint or bronze, these are accessible, affordable materials, used for preliminary sketches and studies. Sargent’s skill lies in elevating this modest medium, capturing the essence of a moment with minimal means. The sketch has a certain immediacy, offering insight into the artist’s process. By valuing the sketch as much as the finished painting, we recognize the artistry inherent in every stage of making, and we challenge conventional hierarchies between fine art and craft.