The artwork titled “Muddy Alligators” was created by John Singer Sargent in 1917. Utilizing graphite and watercolor on paper, the piece measures 35.5 by 53 cm. Categorized under the Realism art movement, it falls into the genre of animal painting.
The artwork depicts a naturalistic scene of alligators resting in a mud-laden environment. The color palette combines earthy tones with the reflective hues of water, skillfully illustrating the textures of the reptiles’ rugged skin and the damp surroundings. The detailed rendering of the alligators conveys a sense of lifelike presence, while the background comprises a blend of verdant vegetation and shadowed forest foliage, highlighting Sargent’s adept use of watercolor to capture the essence of a muddy habitat. The composition’s tranquil yet vivid quality exemplifies the Realism movement’s focus on portrayal with high fidelity to nature.