Thomas Eugene McKeller

About this artwork

John Singer Sargent, one of the foremost portraitists of his era, captured the dignified presence of Thomas Eugene McK in this 1921 print. Created late in Sargent's career, the work portrays McKeller, an artist's model who became a key muse for the painter during his ambitious mural projects, such as the *Triumph of Religion* series at Boston's Public Library. Sargent's masterful draftsmanship shines through, even in print form, highlighting McKeller's poised features and strong physique with fluid lines and subtle shading typical of the artist's realist style infused with impressionistic vitality. As a print from the Smithsonian's collection, this portrait exemplifies Sargent's shift toward monumental public commissions after decades of glamorous society portraits. McKeller, an African American elevator operator turned model, represented a departure for Sargent, infusing his late works with raw humanity and classical ideals. Displayed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, it invites reflection on themes of labor, identity, and artistic inspiration in early 20th-century America. This piece not only showcases Sargent's technical prowess—translating charcoal studies into enduring prints—but also underscores the often-overlooked contributions of models like McKeller to art history. A testament to cross-cultural collaboration, it remains a compelling study of grace and resilience.