The artwork titled “Ilex Wood, Majorca” is an exquisite oil on canvas painting by the eminent artist John Singer Sargent, completed in the year 1908. This piece is an exemplification of the Realism art movement. The landscape genre it belongs to is masterfully depicted within its dimensions of 57.15 x 72.39 cm. Currently, it resides in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum located in Madrid, Spain, where it contributes to the museum’s distinguished collection.
In the artwork, Sargent captures the lush and verdant scene of an ilex wood on the island of Majorca. The vibrant and textural greens of the foliage dominate the canvas, creating a sense of density and vitality. In the foreground, one can observe a rocky terrain, painted with lighter tones that contrast harmoniously with the dark greens of the trees. The subtle play of light through the leaves and branches suggests a serene yet dynamic woodland scene, allowing the viewer to explore the interplay between light and shadow. Sargent’s brushwork is loose and expressive, typical of his plein-air style, capturing the essence of the subject rather than focusing on meticulous detail. This work showcases the artist’s ability to communicate the warmth and natural beauty of a Mediterranean landscape.
