Camouflaged Field in France

John Singer Sargent

1918 · Watercolor, gouache, graphite, and wax crayon on white wove paper · The American Wing

The prolific Sargent made dozens of sketches and watercolors during his time at the French Front as an official war artist. His subjects ranged from the horrific effects of modern chemical warfare to more intimate watercolors, which document the ruin and chaos of war as well as vignettes of the daily lives of soldiers. On occasion, Sargent found a discreet beauty in the military devastation and its influence on the landscape. Here, the camouflage fence in the background suggests the threat of war, but the image is tranquil, almost picturesque. A human presence is suggested by the bundles of hay on the ground and, in the distance, the tall grass yet to be reaped.

Artist

John Singer Sargent

Date

1918

Medium

Watercolor, gouache, graphite, and wax crayon on white wove paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950