The artwork titled “Simplon Pass. Reading,” created by John Singer Sargent in 1911, is a watercolor on paper, belonging to the Impressionism art movement. This genre painting, which measures 50.8 by 35.56 centimeters, is housed at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, MA, United States.
The artwork depicts two women in an outdoor scene. One appears to be resting while the other is engaged in reading, both dressed in elegant, flowing garments. The setting is rendered with vibrant, fluid strokes characteristic of Sargent’s watercolor technique, capturing the play of light and color with delicate precision. The transparent, luminous quality of the medium creates a serene, almost dreamlike atmosphere, evoking a sense of leisurely contemplation amidst nature. The use of soft purples, pinks, and blues enhances the overall gentle and tranquil mood of the scene.