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Bedouin Women

John Singer Sargent

1890

charcoal

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Bedouin Women is a 1890 charcoal by John Singer Sargent, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Singer Sargent
When & what style?: 1890 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two women in loose, flowing robes. Their faces are blurred, but the folds of their clothing are sharp and detailed. One woman’s headscarf is tied low, while the other’s drapes more loosely over her shoulders. The artist focused on how light hits the fabric, making shadows deep and textures clear. The drawing feels quick but precise, like a snapshot of movement. Next, check out scumbling to see how artists create soft, blended effects like this.

About the artist

Artist

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (; January 12, 1856 – April 15, 1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury.

See the richer artist page