The artwork “Albanian Olive Pickers” by John Singer Sargent, created in 1909, is an oil painting on canvas that adheres to the Impressionism art movement. The dimensions of the painting are 93.98 by 113.03 centimeters, and it is classified as a genre painting.
In this piece, Sargent captures a serene rural scene depicting a group of individuals engaged in the activity of olive picking amidst a grove of ancient olive trees. The artwork is characterized by the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth and texture to the scene. The figures, dressed in traditional attire, are scattered across the composition, some seated and some standing, deeply engrossed in their work. The rich palette of earthy tones interspersed with the muted colors of the clothing and the vibrant greens of the foliage imbues the painting with a sense of realism and tranquility. The detailed rendering of the gnarled tree trunks and the varied expressions and postures of the pickers reflect Sargent’s mastery in capturing both the natural environment and the human experience within it.