The artwork titled “On the Canal,” created by John Singer Sargent in 1903, utilizes watercolor on paper and belongs to the Impressionism movement. It measures 34.29 x 49.53 cm and is characterized as a cityscape. The painting is housed at the Petit Palais in Paris, France.
In the artwork, one can observe an evocative depiction of a canal scene, likely in Venice, given the architectural style and the presence of gondoliers maneuvering their boats through the water. The background is dominated by a detailed portrayal of grand, classical buildings, rendered in Sargent’s distinguished loose, yet deliberate brushstrokes, capturing the interplay of light and shadow. The vibrant, reflective water surface mirrors the dynamic motion of the gondolas, emphasizing the city’s serene yet bustling atmosphere. The watercolor technique used lends a fluidity and transparency, heightening the impressionistic vision that characterizes Sargent’s artistic approach.
