The artwork “In a Punt” by John Singer Sargent, created in 1889, is an oil painting on canvas. This piece, which belongs to the Realism art movement, measures 35.56 x 44.45 cm and is classified under the genre painting category. It currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork portrays a tranquil scene of two figures reclining in a punt, a flat-bottomed boat commonly used for leisure activities. The individuals are draped in flowing white garments, with light and shadow skillfully used to illustrate the softness and folds of the fabric. The figure on the left appears to be wearing a hat, obscuring parts of their face and adding to the relaxed, somnolent atmosphere of the painting. The background juxtaposes the delicate rendering of the figures with rough, expressive strokes, heightening the contrast and drawing attention to the serene disposition of the figures. This juxtaposition accentuates Sargent’s proficiency in capturing both the immediacy of the moment and the subtle play of light.
