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Pencil on paper John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925) 'Two Male Heads with French Sonnet' Signed and inscribed extensively in pencil center right 'John S. Sargent' Dimensions: 9 5/8 x 13 1/4 in. (24.4 x 33.6 cm.) Dimensions, framed: 16 x 19 1/2 x 1 in. (40.6 x 49.5 x 2.5 cm.) Provenance: M.R. Schweitzer Gallery, New York This rather simple and delicate sketch by John Singer Sargent is a window into the extraordinary talent for which the artist is known. His ability to illustrate the human form with modest lines, creating shadow and structure is the talent of a true draftsman. This work measures 9 5/8 x 13 1/4 inches and is signed "John S. Sargent" in the center right. The figure to the left is believed to be Nicola d'Inverno, Sargent's manservant. The second figure has not been identified and below the figure on the right is an unidentified French sonnet. Glued to backing board along upper edge; 1/4" crease in upper center; slight mat burn visible in 1/8" margin along all edges; Inscribed in upper right; Crease in lower right corner. John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925) John Singer Sargent was born in Florence, Italy in 1856. As a child he often traveled with his family throughout Europe gathering influences. In 1870 he began at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence then later in 1874 was accepted to the Ecole des Beaux Arts, soon diverted to study in the atelier of Carolus Duran. Sargent was influenced by other portrait artists like Velasquez, James Whistler, and Edgar Degas. His most notable work, "Portrait of Mme X,"" was painted in 1884, his last year spent living in Paris. Throughout the remainder of his life, Sargent traveled between London and the US creating society portraits for notable figures. In 1998 the Tate Gallery in London held a retrospective of Sargent's portraits.