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"Sketch of Cellini's 'Perseus'" by John Singer Sargent is an evocative example of Sargent's mastery in draftsmanship and his profound understanding of classical sculpture. The sketch captures the dynamic interplay of light and shadow on the famous bronze statue "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" by Benvenuto Cellini, located in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy.

In Sargent's rendering, Perseus stands with a triumphant and assertive posture, holding the severed head of Medusa aloft in his left hand, while his right hand grips his sword. The sketch is energetic yet meticulous, showcasing the intricate details of Perseus's musculature, the flowing contours of his form, and the exquisitely detailed helmet and drapery. Despite the solid, bronze material of the original sculpture, Sargent's fluid and confident charcoal lines imbue the figure with a sense of movement and vitality.

The chiaroscuro technique, contrasting light and dark, is particularly striking in this sketch. Sargent manages to capture the way light glances off Perseus's sinewed arms and taut body, while the shadowy depths emphasize the dramatic tension of the scene. The sketch is an exercise in stark contrasts and fine detail, hinting at Sargent's deep appreciation for the Renaissance master's work and his own exceptional skill as a draughtsman.

The background is minimally suggested, placing full emphasis on the hero and his mythological victim. This choice not only highlights the sculpture itself but also showcases Sargent's ability to transform viewers into a reenactment of his own experience as a spectator standing before the grandeur of classical art.

Original Sculpture:
- Title: Perseus with the Head of Medusa
- Artist: Benvenuto Cellini
- Year: 1545–1554
- Medium: Bronze
- Location: Loggia dei Lanzi, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy

John Singer Sargent:
John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was an American expatriate artist, renowned for his portraits of high society, landscapes, watercolor works, and depictions of architectural and sculptural masterpieces. Sargent was born in Florence to American parents, which likely contributed to his lifelong fascination with the grandeur of Renaissance art.

This sketch fits into a period when Sargent had reached the pinnacle of his career and began to engage more deeply with the European art that inspired him. Although best known for his portraiture, Sargent was also deeply invested in capturing the essence of other art forms through his sketches and paintings. His study of Cellini's "Perseus" reflects his deep respect for the Renaissance and a desire to understand its sculptural forms firsthand, a practice common among artists of his time who sought to refine their skills by engaging with historical masterpieces.

The sketch is part of the collection of the Harvard Art Museums, a testament to Sargent's enduring legacy not only as a painter of society's elite but also as a dedicated student of the arts who continually sought to explore and document the treasures of the past.

This work exemplifies Sargent's versatility and his ability to transcend mere replication, instead offering viewers a dynamic interpretation that celebrates both his technical prowess and his reverence for classical beauty.