Capri Girl on a Rooftop 1878

John Singer Sargent painted this image, Capri Girl on a Rooftop, during a trip to Italy in 1878, using oil on canvas. Sargent was an American expatriate artist, and this painting reflects the cultural fascination with the "exotic" that was common among Western artists in the late 19th century. Here, we see two young women on a rooftop, one playing a tambourine and the other dancing. Sargent's loose brushwork and bright, sun-drenched palette create a sense of spontaneity and informality. But the image also speaks to the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. Italy, at this time, was a popular destination for wealthy tourists and artists. Sargent, as a member of this privileged class, had the means to travel and to represent the local population as he saw fit. Understanding the social and economic context in which this painting was made—the history of tourism, the art market, and the cultural biases of the time—can help us to better understand its meaning and significance.