Street, Tangier 1895

John Singer Sargent painted this watercolor, "Street, Tangier," with pigments suspended in water, applied in translucent washes to paper. Sargent's loose brushwork captures the intense North African light and the architecture's worn surfaces, highlighting the immediacy of the scene. Watercolor, historically considered a preparatory medium or a pastime for amateurs, allowed Sargent a certain freedom and portability when working en plein air. The fluidity of watercolor allows for blending and layering, creating depth and atmosphere with minimal effort. The quick-drying nature of watercolor encouraged Sargent to work swiftly, capturing the fleeting moment. The choice of watercolor over more laborious oil paints suggests a desire for spontaneity, a break from the demands of formal portraiture. It's a reminder that every artistic choice reflects a decision about time, labor, and the value we place on different forms of making.