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Swans in the Water

John Singer Sargent

1890

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Swans in the Water is a 1890 graphite 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

Sargent drew two swans on paper with a soft pencil. One floats calm. The other tilts its neck, feathers ruffled by current. Light lines suggest ripples where water meets sky. This isn’t a quick sketch. Sargent layered tiny strokes to build the swans’ feathers and the water’s sheen. You can almost hear the quiet lapping. Look next at Sargent, John Singer.

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