Cathedral Interior c. 1904

John Singer Sargent created this watercolor painting, titled "Cathedral Interior," using paper, pigment, and water. The fluidity of watercolor allows Sargent to capture the architectural grandeur of the cathedral with an ethereal lightness. Notice how the washes of color evoke the play of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume. The layering of translucent washes builds up the forms, giving the impression of monumental stone structures. Watercolor, as a medium, invites spontaneity and improvisation. The artist's skillful handling of the brush and the way he coaxes light from darkness, imbues the artwork with a sense of immediacy. Sargent's choice of watercolor challenges traditional distinctions between sketching and finished painting. The artwork invites us to consider the complex relationship between material, process, and artistic expression.