Sargent and Spain

Celebrated as the leading society portraitist of his era, John Singer Sargent influenced a generation of American painters. 

His personal captivation with Spain resulted in a remarkable body of work that documents his extensive travels from the north to the south and to the island of Majorca. Over three decades Sargent responded to the country’s rich culture by producing landscapes and marine scenes, pictures of everyday life, and architectural studies, as well as sympathetic portrayals of the locals he encountered. 

For the first time, Sargent and Spain presents approximately 120 dazzling oils, watercolors, and drawings, many of which are rarely exhibited. Also featured from the artist’s travels are some 28 never-before published photographs, several almost certainly taken by Sargent himself.

Credit: Overview from museum website

Image: John Singer Sargent, White Ships, 1908, watercolor over graphite, with gouache and wax resist, Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by Special Subscription, 09.846