Study for "John Singer Sargent"

This plaster portrait of Saint-Gaudens' close friend, the rising young painter, John Singer Sargent, was one of the last he did before returning to New York after being based in Paris for three years(1877-1880). This is the smallest medallion he ever modeled. Its spontaneous sketch-like appearance (no border ornamentation, scribbled lettering) depicts the painter with tousled hair and scruffy beard, a direct contrast to Sargent's formal public persona.