The artwork titled “Madame Gautreau” is a watercolor created by artist John Singer Sargent in 1883. Exemplifying the Impressionist movement, the work is a sketch and study that measures 35.6 x 24.88 cm. Currently, it is housed at the Fogg Museum, which is part of the Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork depicts a woman seated in a relaxed pose, giving an impression of casual elegance. Her body is turned slightly to the side, while her gaze is directed away from the viewer, granting a sense of contemplative distance. The colors used are a harmonious blend, with a prominence of cool tones that suggest an atmosphere of refined calmness. The loose brushwork characteristic of Sargent’s style in his watercolors is evident, lending the piece a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. The brushstrokes are particularly dynamic in rendering the folds of the woman’s dress, the softness of her skin, and the furniture she is seated on. Though the woman’s surroundings are abstractly suggested, the intimacy and poise of Madame Gautreau’s presence dominate the composition. The depiction not only captures the visual likeness but also the essence and personality of the subject through subtle nuances in posture and expression.
