Jungfrau 1870

John Singer Sargent created this watercolor of the Jungfrau mountain in Switzerland using paper and pigments. Watercolor as a medium has a rich history, prized for its portability, enabling artists to capture fleeting moments in nature directly. The immediacy of Sargent's technique, with its fluid washes and deft strokes, speaks to the Romantic era’s emphasis on personal expression and the awe-inspiring power of the natural world. The way he layered the colors, especially in the snowy peaks, suggests a deep understanding of light and atmosphere. This wasn't just about depicting a mountain; it was about conveying a feeling, an experience. By focusing on materials and process, we understand how deeply entwined art is with both the artist's vision and the broader world of culture and commerce.