The Giudecca

John Singer Sargent

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Instead of layering multiple colors as he often did in his watercolors, here Sargent laid in colors almost individually and side by side, creating an impressionistic appearance, especially in the water. This work was painted in mostly translucent washes and without the addition of any zinc white paint. Sargent used a tool, possibly the end of his brush, to scratch white lines on the hull of the sailing boat at left. Typically, the darker browns at center and in the portholes are enriched with medium (possibly gum arabic), giving them a glossy appearance. The stickiness of the extra binder is evident from the brush hairs trapped in the paint.

Caption

John Singer Sargent American, born Italy, 1856–1925. The Giudecca, ca. 1904. Translucent watercolor and touches of opaque watercolor and graphite, with graphite underdrawing, 10 x 14in. (25.4 x 35.6cm) frame: 17 7/8 x 23 7/8 x 1 3/8 in. (45.4 x 60.6 x 3.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by Special Subscription, 09.890. No known copyright restrictions (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 09.890_PS6.jpg)

Gallery

Not on view

Collection

American Art

Title

The Giudecca

Date

ca. 1904

Medium

Translucent watercolor and touches of opaque watercolor and graphite, with graphite underdrawing

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

10 x 14in. (25.4 x 35.6cm) frame: 17 7/8 x 23 7/8 x 1 3/8 in. (45.4 x 60.6 x 3.5 cm)

Credit Line

Purchased by Special Subscription

Accession Number

09.890

Rights

No known copyright restrictions

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