Water’s Edge (circa 1874 –77)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Water's Edge" by John Singer Sargent, dated around 1874 to 1877, eloquently captures a serene and introspective moment at a shoreline. This delicately rendered pencil drawing depicts the luminous and somewhat transient effects of light on water, achieving an ethereal quality that is both tranquil and dynamic.The primary focus of the piece is the rippling water, which Sargent skillfully portrays with varied pencil strokes that suggest movement and the gentle play of light across the water's surface. A structure, possibly a dock or a row of buildings, casts its reflection onto the shimmering water, enhancing the interaction between the man-made and natural elements. Trees faintly line the background, bridging the gap between the water and sky, and adding depth to the composition.Although monochromatic, the use of light and shadow in "Water's Edge" reveals Sargent’s early mastery in conveying atmosphere and mood. This artwork is a testament to the artist’s exceptional ability to draw the viewer into a fleeting moment in time, evoking a sense of calm and contemplation.
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Born in Florence to American expatriate parents, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) is considered Europe's leading portrait painter of the Edwardian era. He was educated at both Accademia delle Belle Arti and Paris's École des Beaux Arts. While in Paris, under the guidance of Émile–Auguste Carolus–Duran, a portraitist and muralist, Sargent learned to paint directly from observation without first sketching, employing a fluidity, influenced by the Impressionists. Sargent created more than 2,900 paintings, mainly portraits and landscapes from his travels across the Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and America.