Venetian Onion Seller c. 1880 - 1882

"Venetian Onion Seller" is an oil on canvas painting by American artist John Singer Sargent, created between 1880 and 1882. The painting depicts a young woman, possibly a vendor, standing in a doorway, with a large bunch of onions resting on her shoulder. The woman is dressed in simple, working-class attire, while the background features a glimpse of a Venetian cityscape, which provides a striking contrast to the subject's humble profession. Sargent's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of realism and depth, highlighting the details of the woman's face and the textures of her clothing and the onions. The painting is a compelling example of Sargent's ability to capture both the beauty and the harsh realities of everyday life.