Bartholomy Magagnosco John Singer Sargent (1856-1925)

The drawing presents a portrait study of a man facing directly toward the viewer. Executed in graphite on paper, it conveys a sense of immediacy and direct observation. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, with emphasis placed on his facial features and the brim of a wide-brimmed hat that casts shadows across his forehead and upper cheeks.
The artist employed loose, gestural lines to define the form, creating a textured surface that suggests volume and depth without resorting to precise rendering. The shading is subtle, relying on variations in line density to model the planes of the face and suggest the contours of the hat. A slight smile plays upon the subject’s lips, hinting at an amiable or confident disposition.
The hair appears dark and somewhat unruly, adding a touch of informality to the portrait. The neck is slender, and the collar of what seems to be a shirt or tunic is visible just below the chin.
A handwritten inscription in the lower right corner identifies the subject as Bartholomy Magagnosco and includes a date, “Jan 28,” suggesting this is a personal study rather than an official commission. The presence of the name and date lends a sense of intimacy to the work; it feels like a quick record of someone known to the artist.
Subtly, theres a quality of self-awareness in the subject’s gaze. He appears not merely to be observed but also to acknowledge his observation. This interaction creates an engaging dynamic between the viewer and the portrayed individual. The drawing’s simplicity and directness suggest a focus on capturing character rather than achieving photographic realism.