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Sargent and Spain
For the first time, explore John Singer Sargent’s fascination with Spain as seen in stunning landscapes, architectural views, figure studies, and scenes of everyday life
American artist John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) experienced Spain, including the picturesque island of Majorca, as a source of rejuvenation and inspiration. Sargent and Spain features scores of the artist’s dazzling watercolors, oil paintings, and drawings, from landscapes and seascapes to architectural studies, scenes of everyday life, and sympathetic portraits of the Roma and other local people he encountered. Immersing himself in the country’s rich culture, he studied Spanish masters old and new, lavishing particular attention on works by Diego Velázquez in the Prado. He rendered the distinctive architecture of the Alhambra as well as other palaces and churches, and he captured lively scenes of ports and villages. Intrigued by Spanish dance and music, Sargent created dynamic views of flamenco and the famous dancer La Carmencita. A map and an illustrated chronology document the artist’s seven trips to and travels through Spain. This handsome book showcases, for the first time, Sargent’s captivation with Spain and the remarkable works of art now associated with it.
Published in association with the National Gallery of Art, Washington
Exhibition
National Gallery of Art, Washington
(October 2, 2022–January 2, 2023)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Legion of Honor
(February 11–May 14, 2023)
American artist John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) experienced Spain, including the picturesque island of Majorca, as a source of rejuvenation and inspiration. Sargent and Spain features scores of the artist’s dazzling watercolors, oil paintings, and drawings, from landscapes and seascapes to architectural studies, scenes of everyday life, and sympathetic portraits of the Roma and other local people he encountered. Immersing himself in the country’s rich culture, he studied Spanish masters old and new, lavishing particular attention on works by Diego Velázquez in the Prado. He rendered the distinctive architecture of the Alhambra as well as other palaces and churches, and he captured lively scenes of ports and villages. Intrigued by Spanish dance and music, Sargent created dynamic views of flamenco and the famous dancer La Carmencita. A map and an illustrated chronology document the artist’s seven trips to and travels through Spain. This handsome book showcases, for the first time, Sargent’s captivation with Spain and the remarkable works of art now associated with it.
Published in association with the National Gallery of Art, Washington
Exhibition
National Gallery of Art, Washington
(October 2, 2022–January 2, 2023)
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Legion of Honor
(February 11–May 14, 2023)
- GenresArtArt History
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 17, 2024
This is a lush catalog that accompanied an exhibition of Sargent's work at the National Gallery of Art and Fine Arts Museum of Boston. The section essays are mere pages long but well detailed and provide the reader/viewer with a clear overview of Spain's influence on the artist. Whether working with oils or watercolors, Sargent's use of color is masterful. Throughout the book, there are zoomed-in details of paintings that reveal deft brushstrokes or the under drawing of the subject matter. I appreciate that the catalog is dedicated to images; the authors make a sound argument for Spain making the greatest impression on Sargent's art.
February 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book - paintings in colour some with accompanying details showing brushstrokes and interesting narrative behind his paintings, influences and visits
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews