House and Garden 1884

John Singer Sargent made this painting, "House and Garden," using oil on canvas. The looseness of Sargent’s brushwork speaks to the Impressionist style of the time, but also to his own interest in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Look closely, and you'll see how Sargent builds up the image with layers of paint. The thick impasto creates texture, capturing the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Consider the context in which Sargent was working. As a celebrated portrait painter of the Gilded Age, he moved among wealthy circles, depicting their leisure and privilege. The apparent casualness of this painting belies the skill and labor involved in its creation. It represents the leisurely pursuit of artmaking, a privilege not afforded to all. By focusing on the materials and techniques, we recognize the value of artistic skill and the social context that shaped the artist's vision.