From Jerusalem

John Singer Sargent

1905–6 · Watercolor, gouache, and graphite on off-white wove paper · The American Wing

The peripatetic Sargent made his second trip to the Middle East in 1905-6 to conduct research for a mural commission for the Boston Public Library. While traveling through Syria and Palestine, he captured the sights and scenery in a series of watercolors and sketches. In this view from Jerusalem, Sargent recorded the gentle descent of the landscape toward the horizon. The vivid hues of the sky and the contrast of the warm and cool colors on the ground suggest a transitional moment, probably sunset.

Artist

John Singer Sargent

Date

1905–6

Medium

Watercolor, gouache, and graphite on off-white wove paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Francis Ormond, 1950