Vista posteriore di una figura panneggiata
John Singer Sargent, usually known for his polished high-society portraits, lets loose here with an incredibly energetic sketch of a figure seen from behind. Instead of a detailed face, we get a whirlwind of dark, scribbly strokes capturing the heavy, sweeping folds of a robe or gown. The number 'J.S. 280' in the corner hints at the massive archive of studies Sargent created to master the weight and flow of fabric before tackling his famous oil masterpieces. The loose, almost frantic lines give the figure a sense of motion, as if they are just turning away, leaving us to wonder where they are going.